Information recording medium, information recording method and apparatus, and information playback method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An information recording medium of this invention has a first area which records common information which can be commonly played back by a plurality of types of information playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors and complies with common standards, a second area which records specific information which can be played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specific type provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor, and a third area which records link information indicating the links between the common information and specific information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an information recording medium, thecontents of which can be played back by a plurality of types ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors. The present invention also relates to an informationrecording method and apparatus for recording information on suchinformation recording medium. Furthermore, the present invention relatesto an information playback method and apparatus for playing backinformation recorded on such information recording medium.

In recent years, optical discs as information recording media have beenextensively studied and developed. Optical discs include a CD (Compactdisc) that has prevailed, and a DVD (Digital Video disc) that has alarge storage size. The DVD includes a DVD-Video that can record/playback video information. The formats of information recorded oninformation recording media such as a CD, DVD, and the like arespecified by standards described in standard books. The manufacturers ofinformation recording media record information formatted according tothe standards on information recording media.

Information recording/playback apparatuses that record information oninformation recording media and play back information recorded on theinformation recording media are manufactured by a plurality ofmanufacturers. However, as described above, since information isrecorded on the information recording medium according to the standards,similar playback results are obtained irrespective of the manufacturersof information recording/playback apparatuses. That is, informationrecording/playback apparatuses can neither differentiate functions norprovide their originality. As a result, the principle of competition ofthe manufacturers does not work in term of functions, and technicaldevelopment in the DVD-Video market may be disturbed.

Since information is recorded on an information recording mediumaccording to fixed standards, functions cannot be quickly expanded incorrespondence with advances of technologies. That is, in order to add anew function to an information recording medium, the standards must beupgraded in correspondence with the new function to be added. However,since much time is required for upgrading the standards, it is hard toadd new functions in quick response to the advances of technologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to solve the aforementionedproblems, and has as its object to provide the following informationrecording medium, information recording method and apparatus, andinformation playback method and apparatus:

(1) an information recording medium which allows to achievedifferentiation and originality of functions in units of models ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors;

(2) an information recording method which records information on aninformation recording medium to be able to achieve differentiation andoriginality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

(3) an information recording apparatus which records information on aninformation recording medium to be able to achieve differentiation andoriginality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

(4) an information playback method which plays back information from aninformation recording medium on which information is recorded to be ableto achieve differentiation and originality of functions in units ofmodels of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

(5) an information playback apparatus which plays back information froman information recording medium on which information is recorded to beable to achieve differentiation and originality of functions in units ofmodels of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

(6) an information recording medium which has a data structure with highexpandability of functions;

(7) an information recording method which records a data structure withhigh expandability of functions on an information recording medium;

(8) an information recording apparatus which records a data structurewith high expandability of functions on an information recording medium;

(9) an information playback method which plays back information from aninformation recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded; and

(10) an information playback apparatus which plays back information froman information recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded.

An information recording medium according to the present inventioncomprises a first area which records common information which can becommonly played back by a plurality of types of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors andcomplies with common standards, a second area which records specificinformation which can be played back by only an information playbackapparatus of a specific type provided by a specific manufacturer ordistributor, and a third area which records link information indicatinga link between the common information and specific information.

An information recording method according to the present inventioncomprises the steps of: recording common information which can becommonly played back by a plurality of types of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors andcomplies with common standards; recording specific information which canbe played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specifictype provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor; and recordinglink information indicating a link between the common information andspecific information.

An information recording apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises recording means for recording common information which can becommonly played back by a plurality of types of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors andcomplies with common standards, recording specific information which canbe played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specifictype provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor, and recordinglink information indicating a link between the common information andspecific information.

An information playback method according to the present inventioncomprises the step of: comparing ID information stored in an informationplayback apparatus side of a specific type provided by a specificmanufacturer or distributor, and ID information played back from aninformation recording medium, and playing back specific information,which is recorded on the information recording medium and can be playedback by only the information playback apparatus of the specific type, onthe condition that the two pieces of ID information match each other.

An information playback apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises ID information storage means for storing ID information, andplayback means for comparing the ID information stored in the storagemeans and ID information played back from an information recordingmedium, and playing back specific information, which is recorded on theinformation recording medium and can be played back by only aninformation playback apparatus of a specific type, on the condition thatthe two pieces of ID information match each other.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is schematic views showing the data structure on an informationrecording medium capable of recording/playback;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the directory structure of data filesstored in a data area;

FIG. 3 is schematic views showing the data structure in an AV filerecorded on the information recording medium;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the recording locations of video objects alongthe sequence on the information recording medium;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the data structure in an allocationmap table;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the data structure in PGC controlinformation;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing a playback example of videoinformation using a PGC;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the data structure in VTSI;

FIGS. 9A to 9F are views for explaining the VOB sequence order accordingto VOBI;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the arrangement of aninformation recording/playback apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the arrangement (physicalsystem) of the information recording/playback apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a view showing common information, specific information, andlink information recorded on the information recording medium, and therelationship between the common information and specific information;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are views showing the contents of one link information;

FIGS. 14A to 14C are views showing the contents that pertain to drivemanufacturer ID information;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining link pattern A;

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining link patterns B and C;

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining link pattern D;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views for explaining category IDs in company A;

FIG. 19 is views showing the internal data structure of edit controlinformation;

FIG. 20 is views showing the link and time relationships betweenmanagement/control information complying with standards and linkinformation;

FIGS. 21A to 21D are explanatory views of a method of setting adesignated location in “common information complying with standards”corresponding to each link information;

FIGS. 22A to 22C are explanatory views of the allocation of linkinformation;

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 1) ofspecific information;

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 2) ofspecific information;

FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 3) ofspecific information;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are flow charts each showing the processing sequencefor playing back and each displaying using link information by aninformation recording/playback apparatus available from company A;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence forsimultaneously recording common information, link information, andspecific information by the information recording/playback apparatus;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence for appendinglink information and specific information to common information alreadyrecorded on the information recording medium;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence executed whencommon information already recorded on the information recording mediumundergoes an edit process;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the processes for recording commoninformation, link information, and specific information on theinformation recording medium;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the processes for playing backinformation from the information recording medium on which commoninformation, link information, and specific information have beenrecorded;

FIG. 32 is a view showing the correspondence between the data structurebuilt on the information recording medium, and the data shown in FIGS.1A to 1F;

FIG. 33 is a view showing data contained in an RTR Video Manager (RTRVMG);

FIG. 34 is a view showing data contained in a Manufacturer's InformationTable (MNFIT); and

FIG. 35 is a view showing the data structure of Manufacturer'sInformation #1 (MNFI#1).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[1] Outline of Data Structure on Information Storage Medium

The recording information contents (data structure) of informationrecorded on an information storage medium (Optical Disc or DVD_RTR disc1001) that can record and play back video information and musicinformation shown in FIG. 1A will be explained below.

The data structure of information recorded on the information storagemedium (optical disc 1001) is roughly divided, in the order from innerside 1006 in FIG. 1B, into:

lead-in area 1002 having an embossed data zone whose light reflectionsurface has an embossed pattern, a mirror zone whose surface is flat(mirror surface), and a rewritable data zone capable of informationrewriting;

volume & file manager information 1003 that records information which isrecorded on a rewritable data zone which can be recorded/rewritten bythe user, and pertains to the entire file or volume of audio & videodata;

data area 1004 made up of a rewritable data zone that can berecorded/rewritten by the user; and

lead-out area 1005 made up of a rewritable data zone capable ofinformation rewriting.

The embossed data zone of lead-in area 1002 records in advance:

information such as the disc type indicating a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R,or the like, disc size, recording density, physical sector numbersindicating the recording start/end positions, and the like, whichpertain to the entire information storage medium;

information such as the recording power and width, erase power, playbackpower, and linear velocity upon recording and erasure, which pertain tothe recording/playback/erasure characteristics; and

information such as the manufacturing number and the like, which pertainto the manufacture of each information storage medium.

The rewritable data zone of each of lead-in and lead-out areas 1002 and1005 has a unique disk name recording field for each informationrecording medium, a test recording field (for confirmingrecording/erasure conditions), and a management information recordingfield that pertains to a defective field in data area 1004, and aninformation recording/playback apparatus can record information on thesefields.

Data area 1004 sandwiched between lead-in and lead-out areas 1002 and1005 can record both computer data and audio & video data, as shown inFIG. 1C. The recording order, each recording information size, and thelike of computer data and audio & video data can be arbitrarilydetermined. Locations where the computer data are recorded will bereferred to as computer data areas 1008 and 1010, and a location wherethe audio & video data are recorded will be referred to as audio & videodata area 1009 hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the data structure of information recorded in audio& video data area 1009 contains:

anchor pointer for control information 1015: information indicating thestart location (start address) where control information 1011 isrecorded in audio & video data area 1009;

control information 1011: control information (corresponding to RTR.IFOshown in FIG. 2) required upon executing respective processes, i.e.,video recording (audio recording), playback, editing, and search;

video objects 1012: video recording information of video data contents;

picture objects 1013: still picture information such as still pictures,slide pictures, and the like;

audio objects 1014: audio recording information of audio data contents;

thumbnail objects 1016: information such as thumbnails used uponsearching for a location the user wants to watch or upon editing; and soon.

Video objects 1012, picture objects 1013, audio objects 1014, andthumbnail objects 1016 shown in FIG. 1D mean groups of informationclassified in units of contents (data contents). Hence, all pieces ofvideo information recorded on audio & video data area 1009 are containedin video objects 1012, all pieces of still picture information arecontained in picture objects 1013, all pieces of audio information arecontained in audio objects 1014, and all pieces of thumbnail informationused in video information management and search are contained inthumbnail objects 1016.

VOB (video object) 1403 shown in FIG. 3D (to be described later)indicates a cluster of information recorded in AV file (i.e., audio &video file) 1401, and has a definition different from that of videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D. Note that similar terms often have quitedifferent meanings.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1E, the contents of control information1011 include:

AV data control information 1101: management information which managesthe data structure in video object 1012 or manages information thatpertains to the recording locations on optical disc 1001 as aninformation storage medium;

playback control information 1021: control information required uponplayback;

recording control information 1022: control information required uponrecording (video/audio recording);

edit control information 1023: control information required uponediting;

thumbnail control information 1024: management information that pertainsto thumbnails (thumbnail object) used to search for a location the userwants to watch in video data or to edit; and the like.

Note that Control information 1101 and playback control information 1021shown in FIG. 1E correspond to RTR.IFO shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1F, the data structure in AV data control information1101 shown in FIG. 1E is comprised of:

allocation map table 1105: information which pertains to address setupsalong the actual layout, identification of recorded/unrecorded areas,and the like on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001);

video title set information 1106: time information (corresponding toRTR_VMGI in FIG. 8) which indicates the overall information contents inAV file 1401 shown in FIG. 3A, and includes link information among VOBs,grouping information of a plurality of VOBs for management and search, atime map table, and the like;

video object information 1107: information (corresponding toM_AVFIT/S_AVFIT in FIG. 8) which indicates information pertaining toeach VOB in AV file 1401, and pertains to attribute (characteristic)information in units of VOBUs, and each VOBU contained in the VOB;

PGC control information 1103: information that pertains to a videoinformation playback program (sequence); and

cell playback information 1108: information that pertains to the datastructure of a basic video information unit upon playback.

The aforementioned contents are a brief explanation of the datastructure shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F. Some additional explanations of eachinformation will be given below.

Volume & file manager information 1003 records:

information that pertains to the entire volume;

the number of files of contained PC data, and the number of filesassociated with AV data;

information associated with recording layer information and the like.

Especially, as the recording layer information, information 1003records:

the number of layers that form a disc (e.g., a single RAM/ROMtwo-layered disc has two layers, a single ROM two-layered disc also hastwo layers, and n single-sided discs are counted as n layers);

a logical sector number range table (capacity in units of layers)assigned in units of layers;

the characteristics (e.g., a DVD-RAM disc, a RAM section of a RAM/ROMtwo-layered disc, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, and the like) in units of layers;

an assigned logical sector number range table (including rewritable areacapacity information of each area) in units of zones on a RAM area ofeach layer; and

unique ID information of each layer (e.g., to find out a disc exchangeevent in a multi-disc pack). With this information, continuous logicalsector numbers can be set even for a multi-disc pack or RAM/ROMtwo-layered disc to handle such discs or disc as a single, large volumespace.

Playback control information 1021 records:

information that pertains to a playback sequence which combines PGCs;

information (a sequence for continuously playing back all recordedcells) indicating a pseudo recording location considering theinformation storage medium as a single tape like a VTR or DVC inrelation to the above information;

information that pertains to simultaneous playback on a plurality ofscreens having different kinds of video information;

search information: information which records cell IDs corresponding tosearch categories, and a table of start times in a given cell, andallows the user to select and directly access the video information ofinterest; and the like.

Recording control information 1022 records:

program reservation recording information and the like.

Furthermore, edit control information 1023 records:

special edit information in units of PGCs (corresponding time setupinformation and special edit contents are described as EDL information);and

file conversion information (which converts a specific field in an AVfile into a file such as an AVI file that can undergo special editing ona PC, and designates the storage location of the converted file).

Thumbnail control information 1024 describes:

management information that pertains to thumbnail objects 1016(designation information of the recording location of each thumbnailpicture in audio & video data area 1009 and a VOB or cell associatedwith each thumbnail picture, location information in a VOB or cellassociated with each thumbnail picture, and the like (the VOB and cellwill be explained in detail later upon explaining the contents of FIGS.3A to 3J)).

The directory structure of data files in the data area will be describedbelow.

All pieces of information are recorded in units of files in data area1004 in FIG. 1B, and the relationship among data files is managed by thedirectory structure shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of subdirectories 1451 are containedwithin root directory 1450 to allow easy classification in units ofrecorded file contents. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, data filesthat pertain to computer data recorded on computer data areas 1008 and1010 shown in FIG. 1C are recorded under subdirectory 1457 for computerdata storage, and audio & video data recorded on audio & video data area1009 are recorded under rewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452. On theother hand, upon copying video information recorded on a DVD Video discor (DVD Audio disc) to the disc shown in FIG. 1A, data are copied undervideo title set VIDEO_TS 1455, and audio title set AUDIO_TS 1456.

Control information 1011 in FIG. 1D is recorded as a single file forrecording/playback video management data. In the embodiment in FIG. 2,that information has file name RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO (or real timerecording information; abbreviated as RTR.IFO). Furthermore, identicalinformation is also recorded as backup information with file nameRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, all of video objects (RTR_MOV.VRO)1012, picture objects (RTR_STO.VRO) 1013, audio objects (RTR_STA.VRO)1014, and thumbnail objects 1016 are recorded as single AV file 1401(the file name in the embodiment in FIG. 2 is RW_OBJECT.OB).

Rewritable additional information 1454 (not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F)that can be used upon recording/playing back video information can besimultaneously recorded. That information is recorded as a single file,which has file name RW_ADD.DAT in the embodiment in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3A to 3J show an example of the data structure in an AF file. Asshown in FIG. 3B, entire AV file 1401 forms single VTS (video title set)(or RTR movie object RTR_MOV.VRO) 1402. VTS 1402 contains a group of aplurality of VOBs (video objects) 1403, 1404, and 1405, which areseparated into a plurality of part_of_titles (or a plurality ofchapters) 1407 and 1408 in accordance with the contents of audio & videodata and the order of information recorded in AV file 1401.

VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D are defined as sets of audio &video data recorded in AV file 1401, and have definition contentsdifferent from video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D that primarily servethe purposes of classification items of video information/still pictureinformation/audio information/thumbnail information and the like. Hence,VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D record not only informationclassified into video objects 1012, but also information classified intopicture objects 1013, audio objects 1014, and thumbnail objects 1016.

Associated VOBs are grouped into a plurality of PTTs (part_of_titles orchapters) 1407 and 1408 based on information contents recorded in VOBs1403, 1404, and 1405. That is, PTTs 1407 and 1408 are formed as sets ofone or a plurality of VOBs. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, PTT 1408is formed by two VOBs, i.e., VOBs 1404 and 1405, and PTT 1407 is formedby one VOB 1403 alone.

Minimum basic units of video information are called VOBUs (video objectunits) 1411 to 1414, and data in VOBs 1403 to 1405 are formed as sets ofVOBUs 1411 to 1414, as shown in FIG. 3E.

MPEG1 or MPEG2 is prevalently used as the video information compressiontechnique in VOBs 1403 to 1405. MPEG segments video information intogroups called GOPs in 0.5-sec increments, and compresses videoinformation in units of GOPs. Video information compression units ofVOBUs 1411 to 1414 are formed to have nearly the same size as that ofGOP in synchronism with GOP.

Furthermore, VOBUs 1411 to 1414 are recorded while being segmented intosectors 1431 to 1437 in units of 2,048 bytes. Sectors 1431 to 1437record raw video information, sub-picture information, audioinformation, and dummy information in units of packs in the form of packstructures, i.e., V_PCKs (video packs) 1421, 1425, 1426, and 1427,SP_PCK (sub-picture pack) 1422, A_PCK (audio pack) 1423, and DM_PCK(dummy pack) 1424. Each dummy pack size is 2,048 bytes. However, sinceeach pack has a 14-byte pack header at the start of it, the informationsize recorded in each pack is 2,034 bytes.

Note that DM_PCK (dummy pack) 1424 is inserted for the purposes of:

addition of information to be additionally recorded after videorecording (for example, memo information indicating that after-recordinginformation is inserted into an audio pack and replaced by a dummy packis inserted in sub-picture information (a sub-picture pack) and isreplaced by a dummy pack).

The recording area of a DVD-RAM (DVD_RTR) disc as an example of theinformation storage medium (optical disc 1001) shown in FIG. 1A issegmented into a plurality of sectors. 2,048-byte data can be recordedper sector. In this DVD-RAM disc, recording/playback is done in units ofsectors (2,048 bytes). Hence, when a DVD-RAM disc is used as theinformation storage medium (optical disc 1001), the respective packs arerecorded in units of sectors 1431 to 1437, as shown in FIG. 3F.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, VTS (video title set or RTR_MOV.VRO) 1402is formed by a sequence of all VOBs 1403 to 1405 in AV file 1401. Bycontrast, a playback sequence described in playback control information(pack control information) 1021 can designate an arbitrary range in anarbitrary VOB, and can play it back in an arbitrary playback order.

Basic video information units upon playback are called cells 1441, 1442,and 1443. Each of cells 1441, 1442, and 1443 can designate an arbitraryrange in an arbitrary VOB, but cannot make designation across aplurality of VOBs (one cell cannot set a range by linking a plurality ofVOBs).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3G, cell 1441 designates one VOBU 1412in VOB 1403, cell 1442 designates whole VOB 1404, and cell 1443designates the range of only a specific pack (V_PCK 1427) in VOBU 1414.

Information indicating a video information playback sequence is set byPGC (program chain) 1446, and is described by designating a single cellor by link information of a plurality of cells. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 3H, PGC (program chain) 1446 forms a playbackprogram as a link of cells 1441, 1442, and 1443 (the relationshipbetween the cell and PGC will be described in detail later).

VOBU 1403 in FIG. 3D can contain not only video information but alsoaudio information. In this case, VOBU 1411 that forms VOB 1403 containsV_PCK 1421 and SP_PCK 1422 that construct a video part, and A_PCK 1423and DM_PCK (for after recording) 1424 that construct an audio part.

The video part is formed by a sequence header and GOP header composed ofsome contents on the start side of V_PCK, MPEG I-picture composed of thecontents of a V_PCK group, a sequence end code composed of some contentson the end side of V_PCK, and sub-picture unit SPU composed of thecontents of SP_PCK.

The audio part contains audio data to be played back in synchronism withstill picture playback using I-picture of the video part, and iscomprised of one or more audio frames.

The contents of allocation map table 105 in FIG. 1F will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 4.

As described above, the recording area of the DVD-RAM disc is segmentedinto a plurality of sectors, and logical sector numbers (LSNs) arecontinuously assigned in ascending order from the inner side.

A case will be examined below wherein video information is recorded indata area 1004 of the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) inthe following sequence.

1. An area for recording AV file 1401 is assured in a continuous area(a<g) from logical sector numbers (LSN) a+1 to g in data area 1004 onthe information storage medium (optical disc 1001).

2. Data of VOB#1 1461 is recorded in a continuous area (b<c) fromlogical sector numbers (LSN) b+1 to c in the area for recording AV file1401.

3. Data of VOB#2 1462 is recorded in a continuous area (d<e) fromlogical sector numbers (LSN) d+1 to e in the area for recording AV file1401.

As a result of the above processes in 1. to 3., three unrecorded areas“a+1 to b”, “from c+1 to d”, and “from e+1 to g” in logical sectornumbers (LSN) remain in AV file 1401. When video information of VOB#3with a large data size is recorded in these unrecorded areas, thefollowing processes are required.

4. Data of VOB#3 is segmented into a plurality of data in correspondencewith the unrecorded area sizes in the area for recording AV file 1401.

5. First segmented data 1463 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuous area(a<b) from logical sector numbers (LSN) a+1 to b.

6. Next segmented data 1464 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuous area(c<d) from logical sector numbers (LSN) c+1 to d.

7. Last segmented data 1465 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuous area(f<g) from logical sector numbers (LSN) f+1 to g.

As a result, unrecorded area 1460 “from e+1 to f” in logical sectornumbers (LSN) remains in AV file 1401. FIG. 4 shows the distribution ofphysical recorded positions of VOBs in AV file 1401 as a result of theabove processes in 1. to 7.

As can be seen from the above description, when data in AV file 1401 ispartially erased or when new data is additionally recorded in anunrecorded area in AV file 1401, single VOB data must be segmented andrecorded at a plurality of locations like data 1463, 1464, and 1465 ofVOB#3.

Allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG. 1F shows information indicatingthe distribution of physical positions of identical data distributed andrecorded in AV file 1401 in units of VOBs. FIG. 5 shows the informationcontents of allocation map table 1105 taking the data allocation shownin FIG. 4 as an example. Allocation map table 1105 is comprised ofdistribution information 1621 of positions of unrecorded areas, and aplurality of pieces of distribution information 1622, 1623, and 1624 ofpositions of recorded data in units of VOBs.

A cluster of data units having continuous logical sector numbers in eachVOB will be defined as an “extent”. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,data of VOB#3 are recorded as three extents. In the above example, sincean area from logical sector numbers a+1 to b has continuous logicalsector numbers, this area forms “extent#γ 1473”. That is, the recordingpositions of the data of VOB#3 are distributed to three locations, i.e.,extent#γ 1473, extent#δ 1474, and extent#ε 1475.

The position distribution information that pertains to unrecorded areasor each VOB in allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG. 5 records thenumber 1601, 1602, 1603, or 1604 of extents at its first position. Afterthat, first address 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, or 1611 and size 1614,1615, 1616, 1617, 1618, or 1619 of each extent are recorded. The firstaddress is expressed by a “differential number” (or relative sectornumber) from the first logical sector number of AV file 1401. When eachfirst address is expressed by a differential number, if the entirecontents of AF file 1401 are transplanted to another informationrecording medium, information in allocation map table 1105 need not bechanged, thus improving file portability. In FIG. 5, the extent size isexpressed by the number of sectors. The extent size may be expressed bythe last address of each extent in place of the number of sectors inFIG. 5.

In the DVD-RAM disc (DVD_RTR disc) format, information indicating aphysical address on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001)is called a physical sector number (PSN), the entire address used by thefile system is called a logical sector number (LSN), and an addressdefined on the file system in data area 1004 in FIG. 1A is called alogical block number (LBN), thus distinguishing PSN, LSN, and LBN fromeach other. However, if this convention is always observed, thedescription becomes complicated. For this reason, FIG. 5 uses anexpression based on logical sector numbers (LSN) for the sake of easyunderstanding.

The contents of playback control information 1021 will be describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7B. PGC (program chain) controlinformation 1103 in playback control information 1021 has the datastructure shown in FIG. 6, and the playback order is determined by PGCand cells. PGC is a unit that designates the playback order of cells andexecutes a given playback sequence. On the other hand, each cellindicates a playback period that designates playback data in each VOB bythe start and end addresses, as shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F.

PGC control information 1103 is composed of PGC information managementinformation 1052, one or more search pointers 1053 and 1054 of PGCinformation, and a plurality of pieces of PGC Information 1055, 1056,and 1057.

PGC information management information 1052 contains information (numberof PGC information) indicating the number of PGCs. Each of searchpointers 1053 and 1054 of PGC Information points to the first positionof each PGC information, and allows an easy search. Each PGC information1055, 1056, or 1057 consists of PGC general information 1061, one ormore pieces of program information (PGI#m), one or more cell IDs (orCI_SRP#m), and one or more pieces of cell information (CI#m). PGCgeneral information (PGC_GI) 1061 contains information (number of cellplayback information) indicating the playback time of PGC and the numberof cells. Or PGC_GI 1061 may contain information indicating the numberof programs (PGs) and the number of search pointers (CI_SRP) of cellinformation.

As shown in FIG. 7A, playback data are designated as a playback periodin units of cells from cell-A to cell-F, and PGC information is definedin each PGC.

1. PGC#1 exemplifies a case wherein it is composed of cells thatdesignate a continuous playback period, and its playback order iscell-A→cell-B→cell-C.

2. PGC#2 exemplifies a case wherein it is composed of cells thatdesignate an intermittent playback period, and its playback order iscell-D→cell-E→cell-F.

3. PGC#3 exemplifies a case wherein playback can be done intermittentlyirrespective of the direction of playback or repetitive playback, andits playback order is cell-E→cell-A→cell-D→cell-B→cell-E.

Control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 shown in FIG. 1D or 2 containsnavigation data RTR_VMG (real time recording video manager)corresponding to control information 1101 and control information 1021,as shown in FIG. 1E. This RTR_VMG contains video title set informationVTSI (or information RTR_VMGI of RTR_VMG) 1106, as shown in FIG. 1F.

This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains information used upon playingback a sequence of VOBs 1403, 1404, 1405, . . . , shown in FIG. 3D.

The data structure and contents of RTR_VMG in FIG. 1E (or RTR.IFO inFIG. 2) will be explained below with reference to FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, navigation data RTR_VMG (control informationRTR.IFO) is comprised of RTR video manager information (RTR_VMGI), amovie AV file information table (M_AVFIT), a still picture AV fileinformation table (S_AVFIT), original PGC information (ORG_PGCI), auser-defined PGC information table (UD_PGCIT), a text data manager(TXTDT_MG), and a table (MNFIT) of information that pertains to themanufacturer.

RTR_VMGI contained in this RTR_VMG corresponds to video title set (VTS)information 1106 shown in FIG. 1F.

This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains VTS general information 1751,VOB sequence information 1752, PTT information 1753, and VTS time maptable 1754, as shown in FIG. 8.

Put otherwise, this information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains a play listsearch pointer table (PL_SRPT) corresponding to VOB sequence information1752, and a video manager information management table (VMGI_MAT)corresponding to VTS general information 1751.

Table PL_SRPT contains information 1756 indicating the number of VOBs inVTS (or the number of play list search pointers and the end address ofPL_SRPT), information 1757 indicating the ID of the first VOB in a VOBsequence (or first play list search pointer PL_SRP#1), information 1758indicating the ID of the second VOB in the VOB sequence (or second playlist search pointer PL_SRP#2), and the like.

Each play list search pointer (PL_SRP) contains information (PL_TY)indicating the type of a play list, PGC number information (PGCN)corresponding to this play list, information (PL_CREATE_TM) indicatingthe date of creation of this play list, information (PRM_TXTI) ofprimary text associated with this play list, number information(IT_TXTI_SRPN) of a search pointer of item text used in this play list,and thumbnail pointer information (THM_PTRI) indicating a thumbnailpicture corresponding to the recording contents of this play list.

The table (PL_SRPT) that contains these pieces of information 1756,1757, 1758, . . . corresponds to VOB sequence information 1752 containedin VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106.

The contents of VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106 can be summarized as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the data structure in video title setinformation (or RTR_VMGI) 1106 records:

video title set general information 1751 . . . This information pertainsto general contents of a video title set (or RTR data in AV file 1401 inFIG. 2);

video object sequence information 1752 . . . In the data structure shownin FIGS. 3A to 3J, serial numbers are set for all VOBs in video titleset 1402 (=AV file 1401). This information describes serial numberinformation of VOBs according to this sequence;

part_of_titles information 1753 . . . Object data recorded in AV file1401 are grouped in units of associated data for the purpose of eachdata management and search, and video title names are set in units ofgroups. The group (part_of_title) is formed of a set of VOBs. Thisinformation describes VOB information contained in each part_of_title;and

video title set time map table 1754 . . . This information pertains toVOBU position information at specific time intervals according to thevideo object sequence in relation to VOBs which are classified intovideo objets 1012 and audio objects 1014 in video title set 1402.

The detailed data structure in video object sequence information 1752 isshown on the right side in FIG. 8. That is, the total number 1756 ofVOBs (or PL_SRPTI) contained in the video title set is recorded at thefirst position. After that, VOB_IDs (or PL_SRP#1, PL_SRP#2, . . . ,PL_SRP#n) 1757, 1758, . . . corresponding to serial numbers are recordedin the sequence (video object sequence) order.

The sequence indicated by video object sequence information 1752 can bearbitrarily set by the user or information recording/playback apparatusside in, e.g., “the recording order to AV file 1401 (ascending order ofrecording time)”, “the recording allocation order on the informationstorage medium (optical disc) shown in FIG. 4”, “the VOB size order”,and the like. By sequentially determining the order of all VOBs in VTS(video title set) 1402, a user interface similar to a VTR that recordsvideo data on a single table can be provided.

For example, the following processes can be done using video objectsequence information 1752:

to search for a scene the user wants to watch by fast-forwarding (FF) orrewinding (FR) a tape;

to confirm the entire recording contents by fast-forwarding (FF) thetape; and

to search for an unnecessary recorded scene by fast-forwarding (FF) orrewinding (FR) the tape, and to overwrite new video information on thatscene.

The information contents of video object sequence information 1752 shownon the right side in FIG. 8 will be explained below with reference toFIGS. 9A to 9F. A case will be examined first wherein VOB#1 to VOB#3 arerecorded to have the allocation order on the information storage medium(optical disc) shown in FIG. 4, and this recording is done in the orderof 1. to 7. described in “description of allocation map table contents”.FIG. 9C shows the sequence order which is set for these data in “therecording order to AV file 1401 (ascending order of recording time)”.Compared to FIG. 4, the allocation order from extent#α 1471 to extent#ζ1470 has changed. “First VOB_ID 1757 in the video object sequence” shownin FIG. 8 designates “VOB#1 1461” in FIG. 9C, and “second VOB_ID 1758 inthe video object sequence” designates “VOB#2 1462” in FIG. 9C.

FIG. 9F shows another embodiment designated by video object sequenceinformation 1752. VOB#A 1771 and VOB#B 1772 belong to (are classifiedto) video objects (movie VOB information M_VOBI#) 1012, VOB#C 1773,VOB#F 1776, and VOB#G 1777 to audio objects 1014, and VOB#D 1774 andVOB#E 1775 to picture objects (still picture VOB group informationS_VOGI#) 1013. In this way, the sequence order can be designatedindependently of the VOB types. In FIG. 9F, VOBs (VOB#H 1778 and VOB#I1779) that belong to thumbnail objects 1016 are set at the end of thesequence.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement in the RTRvideo recorder. In this specification, reference numerals are indicatedwithin blocks to save space.

The apparatus main body of the video recorder shown in FIG. 10 isroughly comprised of disc changer (disc drive unit) 1500 for rotatingone to be used of one or a plurality of information storage media(optical discs) 1001, and executing recording and playback of videoinformation with respect to optical disc 1001, encoder unit 1550 thatconstructs the video recording side, decoder unit 1560 that constructsthe playback side, and system controller (MPU) 1530 which incorporates aROM and RAM (semiconductor memory), and controls the operations of theapparatus main body.

Encoder unit 1550 comprises ADC (analog-to-digital converter) 1552,video encoder (V encoder) 1553, audio encoder (A encoder 1554),sub-picture encoder (SP encoder) 1555, formatter 1556, and buffer memory1557.

ADC 1552 receives an external analog video signal+external analog audiosignal from AV input 1542, or analog TV signal+analog audio signal fromTV tuner 1544. This ADC 1552 converts the input analog video signal intodigital data at, e.g., a sampling frequency=13.5 MHz and the number ofquantization bits=8. (More specifically, luminance component Y, colordifference component Cr (or Y−R), and color difference component Cb (orY−B) are respectively quantized by 8 bits.)

Likewise, ADC 1552 converts the input analog audio signal into digitaldata at, e.g., a sampling frequency=48 kHz and the number ofquantization bits=16.

When an analog video signal and digital audio signal are input to ADC1552, the digital audio signal passes through ADC 1552. (A process forreducing jitter superposed on a digital signal, a process for changingthe sampling rate and the number of quantization bits, or the likewithout changing the contents of a digital audio signal may be done.)

When a digital video signal and digital audio signal are input to ADC1552, these signals pass through ADC 1552 (for these digital signals, ajitter reduction process, sampling rate change process, or the like thatdo not change their contents may be done).

When still picture information sensed by digital camera 1543 is input inaddition to the input video signals, it is directly input to V encoder1553 without the intervention of ADC 1552.

A digital video signal component output from ADC 1552 is sent toformatter 1556 via video encoder (V encoder) 1553. A digital audiosignal component output from ADC 1552 is sent to formatter 1556 viaaudio encoder (A encoder) 1554. Or a still picture signal directly inputto V encoder 1553 is sent from V encoder 1553 to formatter 1556.

V encoder 1553 has a function of converting the input digital videosignal into a digital signal compressed at variable bit rate on thebasis of the MPEG2 or MPEG1 specifications.

In digital camera 1543, still picture information is recorded in thebitmap or JPEG format. By contrast, in the present invention, a stillpicture is recorded on optical disc 1001 in the I-picture format ofMPEG2. For this purpose, in the present invention, V encoder 1553 hasformat conversion functions of “bitmap→MPEG2”, “JPEG→MPEG2”, and thelike.

A encoder 1554 has a function of converting the input digital audiosignal into a digital signal (or linear PCM digital signal) compressedat fixed bit rate on the basis of the MPEG or AC-3 specifications.

When a digital video signal (for example, a signal from a DVD videoplayer with an independent output terminal of a sub-picture signal) isinput from AV input 1542, or when a DVD video signal with such datastructure is broadcasted and is received by TV tuner 1544, thesub-picture signal component (sub-picture pack) in the video signal isinput to sub-picture encoder (SP encoder) 1555. Sub-picture data inputto SP encoder 1555 is arranged into a predetermined signal format, andis then sent to formatter 1556.

Formatter 1556 executes predetermined signal processing of the inputvideo signal, audio signal, sub-picture signal, and the like usingbuffer memory 1557 as a work area, and outputs recording data thatmatches a predetermined format (file structure) to data processor 1536.

In case of digital broadcast, a video signal is transmitted in the TS(transport stream) format of MPEG2. In general, when a video signal isrecorded on information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 in the MPEG2format, the PS (program stream) format is used. Hence, upon receivingdigital broadcast, the received signal is directly sent from TV tuner1544 to formatter 1556, which executes “TS→PS conversion”.

Standard encode process contents for creating the recording data will bebriefly explained below. More specifically, when encoder unit 1550 shownin FIG. 10 starts an encode process, parameters required for encodingvideo (main picture) data and audio data are set. Main picture data ispre-encoded using the set parameters, and optimal code amountdistribution for the selected average transfer rate (recording rate) iscalculated. Then, the main picture data is encoded based on the codeamount distribution obtained by pre-encoding. At this time, audio datais encoded simultaneously.

As a result of pre-encoding, if it is determined that the datacompression amount is insufficient (a desired video program cannot fallwithin information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 to be used), andpre-encoding can be re-done (if the source to be recorded is a sourcethat can be repetitively played back such as a video tape, video disc,or the like), main picture data is partially re-encoded, and thepreviously pre-encoded main picture data portion is replaced by there-encoded main picture data portion. With a series of processesdescribed above, the main picture and audio data are encoded, and theaverage bit rate value required for recording can be greatly reduced.

Likewise, parameters required for encoding sub-picture data are set, andencoded sub-picture data is generated.

The encoded main picture, audio, and sub-picture data are combined, andare converted into the data structure of desired video objects.

More specifically, a cell as a minimum unit of main picture data (videodata) is set, the configuration of cells that form a program chain,attributes of the main picture, sub-picture, and audio data, and thelike are set (some of such attribute data use information obtained uponencoding the respective data), and management information that containsvarious kinds of information which pertain to cells is recorded in themanagement information recording area (control information 1011 in FIG.1D or RTR.IFO in FIG. 2).

The encoded main picture, audio, and sub-picture data are segmented intopacks each having a predetermined size (2,048 bytes). Dummy packs thatcan be used in, e.g., after recording, are inserted into these packs asneeded. Note that time stamps such as PTS (presentation time stamp), DTS(decode time stamp), and the like are described in packs other thandummy packs, as needed. As for PTS of sub-picture data, a timearbitrarily delayed from PTS of main picture data or audio data in theidentical playback time band can be described.

Data cells are arranged in units of VOBUs to allow playback in the timecode order of data, thus forming a VOB consisting of a plurality ofcells.

Upon digitally copying video information from the digital output of theRTR video recorder shown in FIG. 10, since the contents of the cells,program chains, management tables, time stamps, and the like aredetermined in advance, they need not be created again.

The arrangement for reading/writing (recording and/or playing back)information from/to optical disc 1001 comprises disc drive unit (discchanger) 1500, information recording/reproducing unit 101, memory 1534,data processor 1536, and system time counter (or system time clock; STC)1538.

Memory 1534 is used to buffer a given amount of data to be written onoptical disc 1001 (data output from encoder unit 1550) via informationrecording/reproducing unit 101, and to buffer a given amount of dataplayed back from optical disc 1001 (data input to decoder unit 1560) viainformation recording/reproducing unit 101.

For example, when memory 1534 comprises a 4-Mbyte semiconductor memory(DRAM), it can buffer recording or playback data for approximately 8seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps. When memory 1534comprises a 16-Mbyte EEPROM (flash memory), it can buffer recording orplayback data for approximately 30 seconds at an average recording rateof 4 Mbps. Furthermore, when memory 1534 comprises a 100-Mbyte, verysmall HDD (hard disc drive), it can buffer recording or playback datafor 3 minutes or more at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps.

Also, memory 1534 can also be used to temporarily store recordinginformation when optical disc 1001 is used up during video recording,until optical disc 1001 is exchanged by a new disc.

When information recording/reproducing unit 101 uses a high-speedrecording/reproducing unit having a speed equal to or higher than doublespeeds, memory 1534 can also be used to store readout data exceeding anormal amount read out from the drive per unit time. When memory 1534buffers readout data upon playback, even when an optical head (notshown) has caused read errors due to vibration shock or the like,playback data buffered by memory 1534 can be used instead, thuspreventing a playback image from being discontinued.

If an external card slot (not shown in FIG. 10) is provided to the RTRvideo recorder, the EEPROM can be offered as an option IC card. On theother hand, if an external drive slot or SCSI interface is provided tothe RTR video recorder, the HDD can be offered as an option extensiondrive.

When a personal computer is used as a DVD video recorder by software,the free area of a hard disc drive or main memory of the personalcomputer itself can be used as memory 1534 shown in FIG. 10.

Under the control of system controller (MPU) [incorporating the ROM andRAM] 1530, data processor 1536 shown in FIG. 10 performs:

supply of a video information signal to be recorded from encoder unit1550 to information recording/reproducing unit 101;

transfer of a video information signal played back by informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to another unit;

rewrite of management information (control information 1011) recorded oninformation storage medium (optical disc) 1001;

partial deletion of video information and management information(control information 1011 or RTR.IFO or RTR_VMG) as data recorded oninformation storage medium (optical disc) 1001; and the like.

System controller 1530 includes an MPU (or CPU), a ROM as an IC memorywritten with control programs and the like, and a RAM as an IC memorythat provides a work area required for executing programs.

Of the execution results of system controller 1530, the contents theuser of the RTR video recorder should know are displayed ondisplay/input panel 1548 of the RTR video recorder.

Note that the control timings of disc changer 1500, informationrecording/reproducing unit 101, data processor 1536, and encoder unit1550 and/or decoder unit 1560 by system controller (MPU) 1530 can bedetermined based on time data supplied from STC 1538 (videorecording/playback are normally executed in synchronism with time clocksfrom STC 1538, but other processes may be executed at timingsindependently of STC 1538).

Decoder unit 1560 comprises separator 1562 for separating the respectivepacks from video information with the pack structure recorded on opticaldisc 1001, memory 1563 used upon executing pack separation and othersignal processes, video decoder (V decoder) 1564 for decoding mainpicture data (the contents of video packs) separated by separator 1562,sub-picture decoder (SP decoder) 1565 for decoding sub-picture data (thecontents of sub-picture packs) separated by separator 1562, audiodecoder (A decoder) 1568 for decoding audio data (the contents of audiopacks) separated by separator 1562, video processor 1566 forappropriately mixing sub-picture data from SP decoder 1565 with videodata output from V decoder 1564, i.e., superposing sub-picture data suchas menus, highlight buttons, superimposed dialogs, and the like on mainpicture data, and outputting them, video digital-to-analog converter(V·DAC) 1567 for converting the digital video output from videoprocessor 1565 into an analog video signal, and audio digital-to-analogconverter (A·DAC) 1569 for converting the digital audio output from Adecoder 1568 into an analog audio signal.

The analog video signal (analog video information signal) output fromV·DAC 1567, and the analog audio signal output from A·DAC 1569 aresupplied to an external component (not shown; a multi-channel stereosystem having two to six channels+monitor TV or projector) via AV output1546.

OSD (On Screen Display) data output from system controller (MPU) 1530 isinput to separator 1562 in decoder unit 1560, and is then input to videoprocessor 1566 via V decoder 1564 (not decoded). The OSD data issuperimposed on main picture data, and they are supplied to an externalmonitor TV connected to AV output 1546. Thus, a warning message isdisplayed together with main picture data.

The internal structure of information recording/reproducing unit(physical system block) 101 will be explained below with reference toFIG. 11.

<A> Functions of Information

Recording/Reproducing Unit

<A-1> Basic Function of Information

Recording/Reproducing Unit

The information recording/reproducing unit executes:

a process for recording new information or rewriting information(including erasure of information) using a focused beam spot on apredetermined position on information recording medium (optical disc1001) 201; and

a process for reproducing (playing back) already recorded informationusing a focused beam spot from a predetermined position on informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001) 201.

<A-2> Basic Function Implementation Means of InformationRecording/Reproducing Unit

As means for implementing the aforementioned basic functions, theinformation recording/reproducing unit executes:

a process for tracing (tracking) a focused beam spot along a track (notshown) on information recording medium 201;

a process for switching information recording/reproducing/erasing modesby changing the limit amount of a focused beam spot with whichinformation recording medium 201 is irradiated; and

a process for converting externally input recording signal d into anoptimal signal to attain high-density recording at the low error rate.

<B> Mechanical Structure and Operations of Detection Section

<B-1> Basic Structure of Optical Head 202 and Signal Detection Circuit

<B-1-1> Signal Detection by Optical Head 202

Optical head 202 is basically constructed by a semiconductor laserelement serving as a light source, photodetector, and objective lens(none of them are shown).

A laser beam emitted by the semiconductor laser element is focused oninformation recording medium (optical disc) 201 by the objective lens.The laser beam reflected by a light reflecting film or light reflectiverecording film of information recording medium (optical disc) 201 isphotoelectrically converted by the photodetector.

A detection current obtained by the photodetector iscurrent-voltage-converted into a detection signal by amplifier 213. Thisdetection signal is processed by focus/track error detection circuit 217or binarization circuit 212. In general, the photodetector is dividedinto a plurality of photodetection areas, and individually detectschanges in amount of light on the respective photodetection areas. Thesedetection signals undergo arithmetic operations of sums and differencesin focus/track error detection circuit 217 to detect focus and trackerrors. A change in amount of light reflected by the light reflectingfilm or light reflective recording film of information recording medium(optical disc) 201 is detected to reproduce a signal on informationrecording medium 201.

<B-1-2> Focus Error Detection Method

As a method of optically detecting the focus error amount, one of thefollowing methods is often used:

Astigmatism method: An optical element (not shown) for producingastigmatism is placed in a detection circuit for detecting a laser beamreflected by the light reflecting film or light reflective recordingfilm of information recording medium (optical disc) 201, and a change inshape of the laser beam with which the photodetector is irradiated isdetected. A photodetection region is diagonally divided into four areas.Focus/track error detection circuit 217 calculates the differencebetween diagonal sums of detection signals obtained from the respectivedetection areas, thus obtaining a focus error detection signal.

Knife edge method: A knife edge for asymmetrically intercepting somebeam components of a laser beam reflected by information recordingmedium 201 is placed. A photodetection region is divided into two areas,and the difference between detection signals obtained from thesedetection areas is calculated to obtain a focus error detection signal.

<B-1-3> Track Error Detection Method

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 has a spiral orconcentric track, on which information is recorded. Information isreproduced or recorded/erased by tracing a focused beam spot along thetrack. In order to stably trace the focused beam spot along the track, arelative positional displacement between the track and focused beam spotmust be detected. As the track error detection method, the followingmethods or the like are normally used:

DPD (Differential Phase Detection) method: A change in intensitydistribution of a laser beam reflected by the light reflecting film orlight reflective recording film of information recording medium (opticaldisc) 201 on the photodetector is detected. A photodetection region isdiagonally divided into four areas. Focus/track error detection circuit217 calculates the difference between diagonal sums of detection signalsobtained from the respective detection areas, thus obtaining a trackerror detection signal.

Push-Pull method: A change in intensity distribution of a laser beamreflected by information recording medium (optical disc) 201 on thephotodetector is detected. A photodetection region is divided into twoareas, and the difference between detection signals obtained from thesedetection areas is calculated to obtain a track error detection signal.

Twin-Spot Method: A diffraction element or the like is inserted in alight transmission system between the semiconductor laser element andinformation recording medium 201 to wavefront-split light into aplurality of light components, and changes in amount of reflected lightof ±1st-order diffracted light components with which informationrecording medium 201 is irradiated are detected. Photodetection areasfor respectively detecting the amount of reflected light of +1st-orderdiffracted light and that of −1st-order diffracted light are placedindependently of the photodetection region for detecting a reproducingsignal, and the difference between detection signals from these areas iscalculated to obtain a track error signal.

<B-1-4> Objective Lens Actuator Structure

The objective lens (not shown) for focusing a laser beam emitted by thesemiconductor laser element on information recording medium 201 ismovable in two axial directions in accordance with an output currentfrom objective lens actuator drive circuit 218. The objective lens movesin:

a direction perpendicular to information recording medium 201 to correctfocus errors; and

the radial direction of information recording medium 201 to correcttrack errors.

As prevalent objective lens actuator structures, the following schemesare used:

Shaft slide scheme: A blade integrally formed on the objective lensmoves along a central shaft. Upon moving the blade along the centralshaft, focus errors are corrected; upon rotating the blade about thecentral shaft, track errors are corrected.

4-wire scheme: A blade integrally formed on the objective lens iscoupled to a stationary system via four wires, and moves in two axialdirections using elastic deformations of wires.

In either method, permanent magnets and coils are used, and the blademoves by supplying a current to the coil coupled to the blade.

<B-2> Rotation Control System of Information Recording Medium 201

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is mounted on turntable221 that rotates by the driving force of spindle motor 204.

The rotational speed of information recording medium 201 is detectedbased on a reproduced signal obtained from information recording medium201. More specifically, the detection signal (analog signal) output fromamplifier 213 is converted into a digital signal by binarization circuit212, and PLL circuit 211 generates a constant period signal (referenceclock signal) based on that digital signal. Information recording mediumrotational speed detection circuit 214 detects the rotational speed ofinformation recording medium 201 using this clock signal, and outputsthe detected speed.

A correspondence table that stores the information recording mediumrotational speeds in correspondence with radial positions whereinformation is reproduced or recorded/erased on information recordingmedium 201 is recorded in advance in semiconductor memory 219. Upondetermining the reproducing or recording/erasing position, controller220 sets a target rotational speed of information recording medium 201by looking up information in semiconductor memory 219, and informsspindle motor drive circuit 215 of that value.

Spindle motor drive circuit 215 detects the difference between thistarget rotational speed and the output signal (current rotational speed)of information recording medium rotational speed detection circuit 214,and supplies a drive current corresponding to this detection result tospindle motor 204 to control its rotational speed to be constant. Theoutput signal from information recording medium rotational speeddetection circuit 214 is a pulse signal having frequency correspondingto the rotational speed of information recording medium 201, and spindlemotor drive circuit 215 controls both the frequency and pulse phase ofthis signal.

<B-3> Optical Head Moving Mechanism

Optical head moving mechanism (feed motor) 203 for moving optical head202 in the radial direction of information recording medium 201 isprovided.

As a guide mechanism for moving optical head 202, a rod-like guide shaftis often used. Optical head 202 moves using friction produced betweenthis guide shaft and a bushing attached to a portion of optical head202. Also, a method using a bearing that reduces the frictional forceusing rotation may be used.

In the driving force transmission method for moving optical head 202, arotation motor (not shown) with a pinion (rotation gear) is inserted ina stationary system, and a rack as a linear gear that meshes with thepinion is placed on the side surfaces of optical head 202, therebyconverting rotation of the rotation motor into rectilinear motion ofoptical head 202. As another driving force transmission method, a linearmotor scheme which inserts a permanent magnet in the stationary system,and rectilinearly moves optical head 202 by supplying a current to acoil set on optical head 202 may be used.

In either of the rotation or rectilinear motor scheme, basically, acurrent is supplied to the feed motor to generate a driving force formoving optical head 202. This driving current is supplied from feedmotor drive circuit 216.

<C> Functions of Control Circuits

<C-1> Focused Beam Spot Trace Control

In order to correct focus or track errors, a circuit for supplying thedriving current to an objective lens actuator (not shown) in opticalhead 202 in accordance with the output signal (detection signal) fromfocus/track error detection circuit 217 is objective lens actuator drivecircuit 218. Circuit 218 includes a phase compensation circuit forimproving characteristics in correspondence with the frequencycharacteristics of the objective lens actuator so as to attainhigh-speed response of objective lens movement up to a higher frequencyregion.

Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 executes in accordance with acommand from controller 220:

an ON/OFF process of focus/track error correction (focus/track loop);

a process for moving the objective lens in the direction (focusdetection) perpendicular to information recording medium 201 at lowspeed (executed when focus/track loop=OFF); and

a process of moving a focused beam spot to a neighboring track positionby slightly moving it in the radial direction (a direction across thetrack) of information recording medium 201 using kick pulses.

<C-2> Laser Light Amount Control

<C-2-1> Switch Process between Reproduction and Recording/Erasure

Reproduction and recording/erasure are switched by changing the amountof light of a focused beam spot with which information recording medium201 is irradiated.

The following relation generally holds for an information recordingmedium using the phase change scheme:

[light amount upon recording]>[light amount upon erasing]>[light amountupon reproducing]

and, the following relation generally holds for an information recordingmedium using a magneto-optical scheme:

[light amount upon recording]≈[light amount upon erasing]>[light amountupon reproducing]

In case of the magneto-optical scheme, recording and erasure processesare controlled by changing the polarity of an external magnetic field(not shown) applied to information recording medium 201 uponrecording/erasing.

Upon reproducing information, information recording medium 201 iscontinuously irradiated with light of a given amount.

When new information is recorded, light pulses of a given amount areintermittently superposed on the light upon reproducing. When thesemiconductor laser element emits light pulses in a large amount, lightreflective recording film of information recording medium 201 locallychanges optically or in shape, thus forming a recording mark. Wheninformation is overwritten on a region where information has alreadybeen recorded, the semiconductor laser element emits light pulses.

When already recorded information is erased, the information recordingmedium is continuously irradiated with light in a given amount largerthan that upon reproducing. Upon continuously erasing information, theamount of light to be irradiated is reset to that upon recording atspecific periods, e.g., in units of sectors, so as to intermittentlyreproduce information parallel to the erasure process. That is, theerasure process is done by intermittently reproducing the track numberand address of a track to be erased, and confirming if an error occursin the erased track.

<C-2-2> Laser Emission Control

Optical head 202 incorporates a photodetector (not shown) for detectingthe amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser element.Semiconductor laser drive circuit 205 detects any difference between theoutput (the detection signal of the amount of light emitted by thesemiconductor laser element) from that photodetector and an emissionreference signal supplied from recording/reproducing/erasing controlwaveform generation circuit 206, and feeds back a driving current to thesemiconductor laser on the basis of the difference.

<D> Operations Pertaining to Control System for Mechanism

<D-1> Start-up Control

When information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is set on turntable221 and start-up control is started, processes are done according to thefollowing procedure.

(1) Controller 220 informs spindle motor drive circuit 215 of a targetrotational speed, and spindle motor drive circuit 215 supplies a drivingcurrent to spindle motor 204, thus initiating rotation of spindle motor204.

(2) At the same time, controller 220 issues a command (executioncommand) to feed motor drive circuit 216, which supplies a drivingcurrent to optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203 to move opticalhead 202 to the innermost peripheral position of information recordingmedium 201. It is confirmed if optical head 202 has reached an innerperipheral position beyond a region of information recording medium 201where information has been recorded.

(3) When spindle motor 204 has reached the target rotational speed, thatstatus (status report) is sent to controller 220.

(4) Semiconductor laser drive circuit 205 supplies a current to thesemiconductor laser element in optical head 202 in correspondence with areproducing light amount signal sent from controller 220 torecording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206,thus starting laser emission.

The optimal amount of light upon reproducing varies depending on thetype of information recording medium (optical disc) 201. Upon startingup, the lowest amount of light is set.

(5) Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 controls to retract theobjective lens (not shown) in optical head 202 to a position farthestfrom information recording medium 201 and to make the objective lensslowly approach information recording medium 201 in accordance with acommand from controller 220.

(6) At the same time, focus/track error detection circuit 217 monitorsthe focus error amount, and sends status to controller 220 when theobjective lens has reached the vicinity of an in-focus position.

(7) Upon receiving the status, controller 220 sends a command toobjective lens actuator drive circuit 218 to turn on the focus loop.

(8) Controller 220 sends a command to feed motor drive circuit 216 whilethe focus loop is kept ON, thus slowly moving optical head 202 towardthe outer periphery of information recording medium 201.

(9) At the same time, controller 220 monitors a reproduced signal fromoptical head 202. When optical head 202 has reached the recording regionon information recording medium 201, controller 220 stops movement ofoptical head 202, and sends a command to objective lens actuator drivecircuit 218 to turn on the track loop.

(10) An “optimal amount of light upon reproducing” and “optimal amountof light upon recording/erasing” recorded on the inner peripheralportion of information recording medium (optical disc) 201 arereproduced, and that information is recorded on semiconductor memory 219via controller 220.

(11) Furthermore, controller 220 sends a signal corresponding to the“optimal amount of light upon reproducing” torecording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206,thus re-setting the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laserelement upon reproducing.

(12) The amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laser element uponrecording/erasing is set in correspondence with the “optimal amount oflight upon recording/erasing” recorded on information recording medium201.

<D-2> Access Control

<D-2-1> Reproduce Information at Access Destination on InformationRecording Medium 201

Information that pertains to recording locations and contents ofinformation on information recording medium 201 varies depending on thetype of information recording medium 201, and is normally recorded in

a directory management region: a group of such information is recordedon the inner or outer peripheral region of information recording medium201;

a navigation pack: the navigation pack is contained in a VOBs (VideoObject Set) complying with the data structure of a PS (Program Stream)of MPEG2, and records information that pertains to the recordinglocation of next video data;

or the like in information recording medium 201.

When specific information is to be reproduced or recorded/erased,information in the aforementioned region is reproduced, and an accessdestination is determined based on the information obtained therefrom.

<D-2-2> Coarse Access Control

Controller 220 calculates the radial position of the access destinationto obtain the distance between the calculated position and the currentposition of optical head 202.

Speed curve information that allows optical head 202 to reach the targetposition in the shortest period of time with respect to the requiredmoving distance is recorded in advance in semiconductor memory 219.Controller 220 reads out that information, and controls movement ofoptical head 202 by the following method according to the speed curve.

Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuator drive circuit218 to turn off the track loop, and controls feed motor drive circuit216 to start movement of optical head 202.

When the focused beam spot crosses a track on information recordingmedium 201, focus/track error detection circuit 217 generates a trackerror detection signal. Using this track error detection signal, thespeed of the focused beam spot relative to information recording medium201 can be detected.

Feed motor drive circuit 216 calculates the difference between therelative speed of the focused beam spot obtained from focus/track errordetection circuit 217, and the target speed information obtained asneeded from controller 202, and feeds back the result to the drivingcurrent to be supplied to optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203,thus moving optical head 202.

As described in “<B-3> Optical Head Moving Mechanism”, friction alwaysacts between the guide shaft and bushing or bearing. When optical head202 is moving at high speed, dynamic friction acts. However, at thebeginning of movement and immediately before stop of movement, staticfriction acts since the moving speed of optical head 202 is low. At thistime, since the relative frictional force increases (especiallyimmediately before stop of movement), the gain of current to be suppliedto optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203 is increased inaccordance with a command from controller 220.

<D-2-3> Fine Access Control

When optical head 202 has reached the target position, controller 220sends a command to objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 to turn onthe track loop.

The focused beam spot is tracing along the track on informationrecording medium 201 to reproduce the address or track number of thatportion.

The current focused beam spot position is detected from the reproducedaddress or track number. Controller 220 calculates the number of errortracks from the target position to be reached, and informs objectivelens actuator drive circuit 218 of the number of tracks required formoving the focused beam spot.

When objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 generates a pair of kickpulses, the objective lens slightly moves in the radial direction ofinformation recording medium 201, thus moving the focused beam spot to aneighboring track position.

Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 temporarily turns off thetrack loop, generates kick pulses corresponding in number to informationfrom controller 220, and then turns on the track loop again.

Upon completion of fine access, controller 220 reproduces information(address or track number) at the position where the focused beam spot istracing, and confirms that the beam spot is accessing a target track.

<D-3> Continuous Recording/Reproducing/Erasing Control

The track error detection signal output from focus/track error detectioncircuit 217 is input to feed motor drive circuit 216. In theaforementioned “start-up control” and “access control”, controller 220controls feed motor drive circuit 216 not to use the track errordetection signal.

After it is confirmed by access that the focused beam spot has reached atarget track, some track error detection signals are supplied as drivingcurrent to optical head moving mechanism (feed motor) 203 via motordrive circuit 216 in response to a command from controller 220. Thiscontrol continues during the period in which the reproducing orrecording/erasing process continues.

The central position of information recording medium 201 is slightlydecentered from that of turntable 221. When some track error detectionsignals are supplied as the driving current, entire optical head 202moves finely in correspondence with decentering.

When the reproducing or recording/erasing process continues for a longperiod of time, the focused beam spot position gradually moves towardthe inner or outer periphery. When some track error detection signalsare supplied as the driving current to optical head moving mechanism(feed motor) 203, optical head 202 gradually moves toward the inner orouter periphery in correspondence with the driving current.

In this manner, the load on track error correction of the objective lensactuator is reduced, and the track loop can be rendered stable.

<D-4> End Control

When the operation is to end upon completion of a series of processes,the processes proceed in accordance with the following procedure.

(1) Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuator drivecircuit 218 to turn off the track loop.

(2) Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuator drivecircuit 218 to turn off the focus loop.

(3) Controller 220 sends a command to recording/reproducing/erasingcontrol waveform generation circuit 206 to stop emission of thesemiconductor laser element.

(4) Controller 220 informs spindle motor drive circuit 215 of zeroreference rotational speed.

<E> Flow of Recording Signal/Reproduced Signal to Information RecordingMedium

<E-1> Signal Format Recorded on Information Recording Medium 201

As shown in FIG. 11, the information recording/reproducing unit(physical system block) performs “appending of an error correctionfunction” and “signal conversion of recording information(modulation/demodulation of a signal)” for a signal recorded oninformation recording medium 201 to meet requirements:

to allow correction of recording information errors resulting fromdefects on information recording medium 201;

to simplify a reproducing processing circuit to set DC components of areproduced signal at zero; and

to record information on information recording medium 201 at highestpossible density.

<E-2> Flow of Signal Upon Recording

<E-2-1> ECC (Error Correction Code) Appending Process

Information to be recorded on information recording medium 201 is inputto data I/O interface 222 as recording signal d in the form of a rawsignal. This recording signal d is recorded on semiconductor memory 219and, after that, ECC encoding circuit 208 executes an ECC appendingprocess as follows.

An embodiment of a method of appending an ECC using a product code willbe explained below.

Recording signal d is arranged in rows in units of 172 bytes insemiconductor memory 219, and 192 rows form one ECC block. For a rawsignal (recording signal d) in one ECC block formed by “row: 172×column:192 bytes”, 10-byte inner code PI is calculated for each 172-byte row,and is additionally recorded in semiconductor memory 219. Furthermore,16-byte outer code PO is calculated for each 1-byte column, and isadditionally recorded in semiconductor memory 219.

As an embodiment of recording such codes on information recording medium201, a total of 2,366 bytes, i.e., 12 rows containing inner codes PI+1line for outer codes PO:

(2,366=(12+1)×(172+10))

are recorded in one sector as one unit.

Upon completion of appending inner and outer codes PI and PO, ECCencoding circuit 208 reads signals in units of 2,366 bytes correspondingto one sector from semiconductor memory 219, and transfers them tomodulation circuit 207.

<E-2-2> Signal Modulation

In order to make the DC component (DSV: Digital Sum Value) of areproduced signal approach zero, and to record information oninformation recording medium 201 at high density, modulation circuit 207executes signal modulation as conversion of the signal format.

Modulation circuit 207 and demodulation circuit 210 include a conversiontable that indicates the relationship between an original signal andmodulated signal. Modulation circuit 207 segments a signal transferredfrom ECC encoding circuit 208 in units of a plurality of bits inaccordance with a given modulation scheme, and converts segmentedsignals into other signals (codes) while looking up the conversiontable.

For example, when 8/16 modulation (RLL(2,10) code) is used as themodulation scheme, there are two different conversion tables, which areswitched as needed to make the DC component (DSV: Digital Sum Value)after modulation approach zero.

<E-2-3> Recording Waveform Generation

When a recording mark is recorded on information recording medium(optical disc) 201, the recording scheme normally used includes twodifferent schemes:

mark length recording: “1” is located at the leading and trailing endpositions of a recording mark; and

mark position recording: the central position of a recording markmatches the “1” position.

Upon executing mark length recording, a long recording mark need beformed. In this case, when light with an amount required for recordingis kept irradiated for a predetermined period of time, a “raindrop”-likerecording mark, only a trailing end portion of which has a larger width,forms due to the heat accumulation effect of the light reflectiverecording film of information recording medium 201. In order to removesuch shortcoming, when a long recording mark is formed, a plurality ofdivided recording pulses are used or the recording waveform is changedstepwise.

Recording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206generates the aforementioned recording waveform in correspondence with arecording signal sent from modulation circuit 207, and sends it tosemiconductor laser drive circuit 205.

<E-3> Flow of Signal Upon Reproducing

<E-3-1> Binarization & PLL Circuits

As described in “<B-1-1> Signal Detection by Optical Head 202”, a signalon information recording medium 201 is reproduced by detecting a changein amount of light reflected by the light reflecting film or lightreflective recording film of information recording medium (optical disc)201. A signal obtained by amplifier 213 has an analog waveform.Binarization circuit 212 converts that signal into a binary digitalsignal consisting of “1”s and “0”s using a comparator.

PLL circuit 211 extracts a reference signal upon reproducing informationfrom the reproduced signal obtained by binarization circuit 212. PLLcircuit 211 incorporates a variable frequency oscillator. Thefrequencies and phases of a pulse signal (reference clock) output fromthat oscillator and the signal output from binarization circuit 212 arecompared, and the comparison result is fed back to the oscillatoroutput.

<E-3-2> Demodulation of Signal

Demodulation circuit 210 includes a conversion table that indicates therelationship between the modulated signal and demodulated signal. Asignal is restored to an original signal by looking up the conversiontable in response to the reference clock obtained by PLL circuit 211.The restored (demodulated) signal is recorded on semiconductor memory219.

<E-3-3> Error Correction Process

Error correction circuit 209 detects error positions from the signalsaved on semiconductor memory 219 using inner and outer codes PI and PO,and sets pointer flags of the error positions.

After that, signals at error positions are corrected as needed incorrespondence with the error pointer flags while reading out signalsfrom semiconductor memory 219, and are transferred to data I/O interface222 after inner and outer codes PI and PO are removed.

A signal sent from ECC encoding circuit 208 is output as reproducedsignal c from data I/O interface 222.

<<1>> Expansion Information Use Method for Common Information Complyingwith Standards

FIG. 12 shows the basic concept of the present invention.

For example, information recorded on an information recording medium(optical disc 1001) according to the standards set in a public placelike DVD-Video is called common information 2001 complying withstandards.

Common information 2001 complying with standards is separated intoobject information or contents information 2012 which indicatesinformation of contents themselves of information such as videoinformation, still picture information, audio information, and the like,and management/control information 2011 for managing/controlling thatinformation. These two pieces of information comply with the standards,and can be played back and edited by any drivers (informationrecording/playback apparatuses) irrespective of their manufacturers.

When an original function beyond those specified by the standards isprovided by only a driver (information recording/reproducing apparatus)of a specific manufacturer, and information that pertains to theoriginal function is recorded on the information recording medium(optical disc 1001), such information can be recorded on a recordingregion of specific information 2002 which can be used by only a specificmanufacturer. Specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer is recorded on that region on the informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001), which is different from that ofcommon information 2001 complying with standards. Information thatpertains to contents themselves of information such as videoinformation, still picture information, audio information, or the likeof the information that can be played back by only the driver(information recording/playback apparatus) of the specific manufactureris defined by specific object information (specific contentsinformation) 2008 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.Information required for managing and controlling this specific objectinformation (specific contents information) 2008 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer is defined by management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.

Even the driver (information recording/playback apparatus) of thespecific manufacturer having the original function basically operatesaccording to function rules specified by the standards. Hence, thedriver (information recording/playback apparatus) basically executesoperations and processes using common information 2001 complying withstandards, and executes special processes by reading out specificinformation 2002 which can be used by only a specific manufacturer inonly a portion that requires a specific function. That is, a location ortiming requiring specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer is set in association with the contents of commoninformation 2001 complying with standards. Information that indicatesassociation of specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer with common information 2001 complying withstandards is defined as “link information 2003”.

The basic concept and objectives of the present invention are summarizedas follows.

A plurality of pieces of link information uniquely created by recorders(information recording/playback apparatuses) of a plurality of companiescan be parallelly stored and used.

The need for ID assignment is obviated in a specific organization inassociation with manufacturer ID information that sets link information.As a result, no application for seeking permission/authorization of thespecific organization is required, and a new manufacturer can freelyenter the market.

After video information is edited by a recorder (informationrecording/playback apparatus) of another company, the influence ofedited video information on link information can be detected by arecorder (information recording/playback apparatus) of the self company.

FIGS. 13A to 13C show information contents recorded in one linkinformation. The features of the information contents are summarizedbelow.

(1) One link information can simultaneously indicate a plurality of linksources/link destinations:

When an identical original function (a function that can be implementedby only a driver of a specific manufacturer) is to be designated at aplurality of locations in management/control information 2005 complyingwith standards, such parallel links set at a plurality of locations canreduce the number of pieces of link information required.

When a plurality of original functions (functions that can beimplemented by only a driver of a specific manufacturer) are to bedesignated at a single location in management/control information 2005complying with standards, such parallel links set at a plurality oflocations can reduce the number of pieces of link information required.

(2) A method of allowing parallel storage and use of a plurality ofpieces of link information uniquely created by recorders of a pluralityof companies:

In the structure of the present invention, a plurality of pieces of linkinformation can parallelly correspond to a single VOB or cell. Each linkinformation records “last recorded/modified time (date) information 2061of corresponding link information”. Also, each link information records“drive manufacturer group ID information (ID of a group formed by aplurality of manufacturers) 2034 of a drive manufacturer group that canuse specific information in association with the corresponding linkinformation” or “drive manufacturer ID information (drive manufacturername or the like) 2035 of a drive manufacturer that can use specificinformation in association with the corresponding link information”, andthe manufacturer name that can use the corresponding link informationcan be detected from this information.

(3) A method of obviating the need for manufacturer ID assignment in thespecific organization:

An example will be explained with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13C.

Manufacturer group ID information 2034, drive manufacturer IDinformation 2035, and model information 2073 (e.g., the oldest modelthat can use specific information) indicating models which can usespecific information are recorded as text information.

Furthermore, in order to cope with identical manufacturer names (relatedcompanies and the like), the link information further contains“additional information 2037 that pertains to this link information thata drive manufacturer can set”, and confusion can be avoided by setting,e.g., a password. As a text information recording method, “IDinformation 2033 of a character code for drive manufacturer use” (e.g.,JIS code ID or the like) is set in the link information.

FIGS. 14A to 14C summary other embodiments which pertain to a method ofsetting “drive manufacturer ID information” according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 shows common information, specific information, and linkinformation recorded on the information recording medium, andschematically shows links between common information 2001 and specificinformation 2002. An example of a method of linking common information2001 and specific information 2002 will be explained in detail below.Information that pertains to a link pattern with respect to eachspecific information 2002 is recorded in the column of “information 2041that pertains to the link pattern of specific information associatedwith this link information” in link information 2003, as shown in FIG.13A.

In the embodiment of the present invention, there are four differentlink patterns as follows.

(1) Link Pattern A: Call Process from External Program/specificInformation Side

This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 15. That is,object information 2007 complying with standards in common information2001 complying with standards is directly used from management/controlinformation 2006 side that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.Since each object information is managed by video object information1077 side, information 2006 calls video object information 1107 inpractice. As another method, a method of calling cell playbackinformation 1108 as a display unit or PGC control information 1103 thatindicates continuous playback programs is available.

Examples of the method of using this pattern are as follows.

Management information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer systematically manages video information, still pictureinformation, and audio information in all of a plurality of informationrecording media (optical discs 1001) or a whole information recordingmedium having a plurality of recording layers like a multi-disc pack ormulti-layered disc, so as to systematically manage PGC controlinformation 1103, cell playback information 1108, and video objectinformation 1107 (information of each recording layer) which are managedin units of layers.

Program recording reservation information is provided tomanagement/control information 2006 side that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer, and information obtained by video recording usingthat reservation information is recorded as common information 2001complying with standards (recorded video information is recorded asvideo object 1012, and management information that pertains to the videoinformation is recorded in management/control information 2005 complyingwith standards).

Query information (tree structure information with a large number oflayers, keyword query information, and the like) for video informationor a huge number of pieces of still picture information recorded isprovided to management/control information 2006 side that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer, and required video information or stillpicture information recorded in video objects 1012 or picture objects1013 is retrieved by search and displayed.

Management/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer shown in FIG. 15 has information contents for implementingfunctions associated with basic functions, which are specified by thestandards associated with common information 2001. However, the presentinvention is limited to such specific contents, and management/controlinformation 2006 may be used as an external component for specificexternal application program 2110. For example, information of pictureobjects 1013 or video objects 1012 may be pasted in a portion of adocument created on document creation software, or may be similarlypasted in presentation software. Furthermore, an application programhaving a function of extracting some data in video information in videoobjects 1012, automatically converting the extracted data into CG(computer graphics) data using, e.g., an edge extraction technique, andanimating that CG data as the user wants using, e.g., a morphingtechnique can be created using the technique of the present invention.

(2) Link Pattern B: Partial Exchange Process

This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 16. That is,information obtained by appending information, which has informationcontents similar to, e.g., VOB 1403 and cell 1443 and correspond to anoriginal function, to object information 2007 complying with standardswith the structure shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J is recorded in “expandedvideo object information 2115” and “expanded cell playback information2114”. By selecting link information 2003 later, VOB 1403 and cell 1443are replaced by the alternative (exchange) information in specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer uponplaying back and displaying information.

Examples of applications using this processing method are as follows.

Recording Format Conversion of Object Information

In the DVD Video specifications, the recording format of videoinformation is limited to “MPEG1” or “MPEG2”. For example, wheninformation recorded in the DV (digital video) format is recorded withthe data structure shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J, video information convertedinto the MPEG2 format is recorded (this information is recorded in videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 16), and original video information in the DVformat is also recorded as another file in computer data area 1008 shownin FIG. 1C. This information serves as specific object information(specific contents information) 2008 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, management/controlinformation which pertains to this video information in the DV format isrecorded as another file in computer data area 1008, and is used asmanagement/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer.

Upon playback, an information playback apparatus of a generalmanufacturer plays back video information recorded in the MPEG2 formatin video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 16. By contrast, an informationplayback apparatus of a specific manufacturer can play back originalvideo information in the DV format, which is recorded in specific objectinformation (specific contents information) 2008 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer. In general, since video information in theDV format has higher image quality than MPEG2 information, a techniqueunique to the specific manufacturer can be provided.

The same applies not only to video information but also to still pictureinformation. That is, picture objects 1013 shown in FIG. 16 are recordedin the “MPEG2 I-picture format”. Still picture information in the bitmapor JPEG format captured by a digital camera is recorded in pictureobjects 1013 shown in FIG. 16 after format conversion. At the same time,an original picture in the JPEG format is recorded in specific objectinformation (specific contents information) 2008 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer. The information playback apparatus of thespecific manufacturer can play back the original picture in the JPEGformat with higher resolution (higher image quality) using linkinformation 2003.

Variable Speed Playback

Cell playback information 1108 shown in FIG. 16 records information fornormal playback speed alone. For example, upon making FF (fast playback)or FR (fast rewind) at double or quadruple speed, frame-decimatedplayback must be designated. Information indicating a playback procedurecorresponding to FF or FR is recorded in advance in cell playbackinformation 2114, and only an information playback apparatus of aspecific manufacturer can achieve FF or FR playback using linkinformation 2003.

After-Recording Insertion Process

When audio information is overwritten by after recording while playingback video information already recorded in video objects 1012 shown inFIG. 16, only the audio information to be additionally recorded isrecorded in audio objects 1014 in common information 2001 complying withstandards. After that, as information that replaces the correspondinginformation in cell playback information 1108 used for playing back thevideo information already recorded in video objects 1012, informationindicating the mechanism for simultaneously playing back the videoinformation in video objects 1012 and after-recorded information inaudio objects 1014 is created, and is recorded in expanded cell playbackinformation 2114 in specific information 2002 that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer. Only an information playback apparatusmanufactured by the specific manufacturer can simultaneously play backand output the aforementioned video information and after-recorded audioinformation using expanded cell playback information 2114.

Video Information Display After Special Edit

Common information 2001 complying with standards does not contain anyspecial edit information for video information. For example, when theuser wants to execute “fade-in” and “chromakey” special edit processesfor VOB 1404 in FIG. 3D, management/control information is created byappending “fade-in” and “chromakey” special edit process informationcontents to management/control information corresponding to VOB 1404 inFIG. 3D contained in video object information 1107 in FIG. 16, and isrecorded in expanded video object information 2115. An informationplayback apparatus manufactured by the specific manufacturer reads thecorresponding information recorded in expanded video object information2115, and displays and outputs video information which has undergone thespecial edit processes. Note that the special edit information isdescribed in the EDL format in expanded video object information 2115.

(3) Link Pattern C: Specific Information Insertion Process

This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 16. For example,assume that an information playback apparatus manufactured by a generalmanufacturer plays back in the order of cell 1441→cell 1442→cell 1443,as shown in FIG. 3G. By contrast, a specific manufacturer records cell*in expanded cell playback information 2114 shown in FIG. 16, anddesignates its insertion location to be “immediately after cell 1442” inlink information 2003. An information playback apparatus manufactured bythe specific manufacturer can play back PGC 1446 shown in FIG. 3H in theorder of “cell 1441→cell 1442→cell*→cell 1443” using link information2003.

As an example, CM automatic insertion using this method may be attained.

(4) Link Pattern D: Function Expansion Process

This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 17, and anoriginal expanded function is directly appended to video objectinformation or cell. Examples of this pattern are as follows.

Parental Lock/Security Function

For example, a security control or parental lock function using passwordsetting is provided to only VOB 1404 in FIG. 3D. This passwordinformation is recorded in expanded video object information 2115 shownin FIG. 17.

Small Window Simultaneous Display Function

For example, expanded function information which allows only cell 1442in FIG. 3G to make small window display, and can display another videoinformation parallel to the small window display is provided to expandedcell playback information 2114 shown in FIG. 17.

Displayed Picture Characteristic Improving Function

In video information recorded by, e.g., a camcorder, playback picturesare often dark or fogged or have poor color tone due to backlight orinsufficient illumination. Parameters such as “darkness adjustment”,“color tone adjustment”, and the like are recorded in expanded videoobject information 2115 in FIG. 17, and parameters for improving picturecharacteristics are set upon editing after video recording. Aninformation playback apparatus of a specific manufacturer corrects thepicture characteristics according to the parameter values using linkinformation upon displaying pictures.

Location Designation Information Upon Recording/playback Which Can beSet by User

For example, when the location the user watched last upon previousplayback is recorded in expanded PGC control information 2113 in FIG.17, the user can play back information from that location upon nextplayback.

The information recording medium (optical disc 1001) records informationin a plurality of contents (PTT 1407, PTT 1408, and the like shown inFIG. 3C). Also, the information recording medium (optical disc 1001)records common information 2001 complying with standards and specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer inunits of contents. Furthermore, the information recording medium(optical disc 1001) records link information 2003 indicating therelationship between common information 2001 complying with standardsand specific information 2002. Using a category ID to be describedbelow, different functions can be implemented in units of contents.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show the contents of function information (categoryID) 2040 which pertains to specific information in information of thelink information shown in FIG. 13A, and is common to a plurality ofcompanies. FIGS. 18A and 18B show a list of category IDs of company A asan example. The common function contents and link pattern symbols shownin FIGS. 18A and 18B match the contents described in “<<4>> LinkPattern”.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the characteristic feature of the presentinvention lies in that the manufacturer names of informationrecording/playback apparatuses or information playback apparatuses thatcan use contents vary depending on the information contents (PTT 1407(one type of contents), PTT 1408 (another type of contents) in FIG. 3C)recorded in the information recording medium (optical disc 1001), anddifferent corresponding category IDs can be set. As a result, a categoryID that can apply a parental lock to the entire adult video movie, andcan cancel the parental lock of only a portion children are free towatch can be set, thus allowing control in terms of discipline. In thiscase, when category IDs are set depending on the recorded contents, thepresent invention can greatly contribute to wholesome upbringing ofyoung people.

When only a plurality of specific manufacturers implement a specificfunction according to their agreement, function information (categoryID) 2040 which pertains to specific information and is common to aplurality of companies is effectively used. For example, a case will beexamined below wherein companies A, B, C, and D conclude agreements witheach other to be able to commonly use common functions other thancategory IDs 6, 9, and 10. The common functions other than category IDs6, 9, and 10 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B can be used by not only companyA but also by companies B, C, and D according to FIGS. 18A and 18B.Therefore, company B searches drive manufacturer IDs 2035 in linkinformation shown in FIG. 13A for link information that describescompany A, and checks if that link information includes category IDs2040=1, 2, 4, 7, or 12. If such category IDs are found, company B usesthe corresponding functions commonly to company A. This means that drivemanufacturers that can use contents vary depending on the recordedcontents, as in the above description.

Note that companies A, B, C, and D may be considered as eithermanufacturers or distributors of information recording/playbackapparatuses.

A method of checking influences on link information set by aninformation playback apparatus of the self company after contentsrecorded on a given information recording medium (optical disc 1001)have changed by an edit process using an information recording/playbackapparatus (recorder) of another company will be explained below.

FIGS. 19A to 19F show the internal data structure of edit controlinformation 1023 shown in FIG. 1E.

When data in audio & data area 1009 shown in FIG. 1C has been edited(including addition of new data), history information that pertains toan edit process (addition of new data) must be recorded in edit historyinformation 2141 shown in FIG. 19B. As edit history information 2141,information 2149 that pertains to detailed contents of edit histories,edit (additional recording or change) date/time information 2144,information 2145, and information 2146 are recorded. In an embodimentshown in FIG. 19C, date/time information 2145 and information 2146 ofthe second and third latest edit processes are recorded together withdate/time information 2144 of the latest edit process.

A plurality of pieces of link information 2003 having the data structureshown in FIGS. 13A to 13C are recorded on the information recordingmedium (optical disc 1001), as shown in FIG. 20D. A case will beexplained below wherein, for example, link information #β 2164 is used.One link information #β 2164 records various kinds of information shownin FIG. 20E or classification items 2020 in FIGS. 13A to 13C, andespecially, classification item 2020 of “time information 2027 thatpertains to this link information” of those information records “lastrecording time (date) information 2061 of this link information”, asshown in FIG. 20F (or FIG. 13C). Last recording time (date) information2061 of this link information is played back to read the date and timewhen link information #β 2164 was created or edited/changed last. Thisdate/time is compared with the latest editing date/time of informationin audio & video data area 1009 shown in FIG. 19C. If the latter date isequal to or earlier than the former date, it is determined that linkinformation #β 2164 was created or changed (edited) at the same time asor after the latest edit process of information in audio & video dataarea 1009. In this case, link information #β 2164 can be used withoutany problem.

Conversely, when information in audio & video data area 1009 was editedafter link information #β 2164 had been created or changed (edited)(when “date/time information 2144 of the latest edit process shown inFIG. 19C” is later than “last recording time (date) information 2061 oflink information shown in FIG. 20F”, since information in audio & videodata area 1009 was changed after link information #β 2164 had beencreated or changed (edited), it may not be possible to use linkinformation #β 2164. In management/control information 2011 (FIG. 12) incommon information 2001 complying with standards, as shown in FIGS. 20Ato 20C, all of PGC control information 1103, cell playback information2162 to information 2164, and video object information 2167 toinformation 2169 record their last creation/change (edit) date/timeinformation 2151 to information 2159. Therefore, in the aforementionedcase, locations in common information 2001 complying with standards,which are designated by link information #β 2164, are checked. In anembodiment shown in FIGS. 20A to 20F, since link information #β 2164designates video information #2 2168 as a link source, lastcreation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video object #22168 is played back and compared. When last recording time (date)information 2061 of link information #β 2164 is equal to later than lastcreation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video objectinformation #2 2168, it is determined that locations other than videoobject information #2 2168 were edited, and this link information #β2164 can be used without any problems. By contrast, when last recordingtime (date) information 2061 of link information #β 2164 is earlier thanlast creation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video objectinformation #2 2168, since the contents of video object information #22168 were changed after link information #β 2164 had been set, it maynot be possible to use link information #β 2164. In such case, theinformation recording/playback apparatus detects changed locations ofvideo object information #2 2168 and a method of changing/correctingspecific information 2002 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer corresponding to link information #β 2164, using“correction content automatic inspection information 2042 forautomatically changing/correcting contents of specific information thatcan be used by only a specific manufacturer in correspondence with achange in contents of common information complying with standards” shownin FIG. 13B, and then automatically changes/corrects specificinformation that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.

On the other hand, when contents of video object information #2 2168have been changed or edited, its last creation/change (edit) date/timeinformation 2158 is changed in correspondence with that change/editdate, and the contents of specific information that can be used by aspecific manufacturer as each of link destinations of corresponding linkinformation #β 2164, information #γ 2165, and #δ 2166 are changed andcorrected. In addition, date/time information of each “last recordingtime (date) information 2061 of link information” is also changed.

Since the information recording medium (optical disc 1001) shown in FIG.1A has high portability, it is likely to be used in turn in a pluralityof information recording/playback apparatuses. For this reason, afterlink information 2164 is set by an information recording/playbackapparatus of company A, if an information recording/playback apparatusof company B changes and edits a link source portion in commoninformation 2001 complying with standards, link information 2164 can nolonger be used. As described above, the characteristic features of thepresent invention lie in that:

(1) “last change/correction (edit) time information” is recorded in bothlink information 2164 and common information 2001, and these pieces oftime information are compared before link information 2164 is used, soas to confirm the validity of link information; and

(2) “correction content automatic inspection information 2042” isrecorded in advance in link information so as to allow automaticcorrection of the contents of specific information 2002 even when commoninformation 2001 complying with standards has been changed (edited).

There are four different embodiments of a method of setting a linksource (a designation location in common information complying withstandards) corresponding to each link information in the presentinvention, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21D. (The respective setting methodsare set with symbols (A) to (D).)

In one method, a bit sequence (e.g., all “1”s for 8 bytes) which neverexists in common information 2001 complying with standards is insertedat an arbitrary position and is used as a “tag” for setting adesignation location, and the “tag” inserted position is defined as thedesignation location of the link source. An information playbackapparatus which does not use link information skips data from the “tag”information to inserted data size information that follows immediatelyafter the “tag” information, thus removing the influence of linkinformation. A method of allocating “pointer information” behind “tag”information”, and designating corresponding link information (its IDinformation or link information number 2031) in this “pointerinformation” ((A) of FIG. 21A) and a method of directly allocating linkinformation 2003 behind “tag” information ((B) of FIG. 21B) areavailable. In the latter method, a plurality of link information aredistributed in common information 2001 complying with standards. Themethods of these two embodiments are suitable for link pattern A (callprocess from external program/specific information side) shown in FIG.15.

As tag information, bit sequence information (e.g., all “1”s for 8bytes) which never exists in common information 2001 is formed andinserted in common information 2001, and “pointer information” or “linkinformation” is allocated immediately after that bit sequence. A drive(information playback apparatus) manufactured by a drive manufacturerthat does not use link information checks the pointer size or linkinformation size described immediately after this tag information toskip that range.

By contrast, in case of link pattern B (partial exchange process) orlink pattern C (specific information insertion process) shown in FIG. 16or link pattern D (function expansion process) shown in FIG. 17, thedesignation range of a link source is determined to be PGC controlinformation 1103, cell playback information 1108, and video objectinformation 1107. (In link pattern A (call process from externalprogram/specific information side) shown in FIG. 15 as well, the linksource designation range may be fixed.) In such case, setting methods(C) and (D) shown in FIGS. 21C and 21D are suitably used.

In setting method (C), information recording columns for designatinglink information (its ID information or link information number 2031)are formed in advance in PGC control information 1103, cell playbackinformation 1108, and video object information 1107.

A method of setting the designation location of link information withoutchanging common information 2001 complying with standards (withoutexerting any load on common information 2001) is method (D), in whichlink information contains information that pertains to the link sourceand link range. “Number 2044 of link designation locations in commoninformation complying with standards”, and “first priority linkdesignation location information 2045 in common information complyingwith standards” to “second priority link designation locationinformation 2046 in common information complying with standards” shownin FIG. 13B are information items set assuming a case that uses method(D).

A file structure having neither link information 2003 nor specificinformation 2002 corresponding to an expansion function will beexplained first.

All pieces of information are recorded in data area 1004 in FIG. 1B inunits of files, and the relationship between the data and files aremanaged by the directory structure, as shown in FIG. 2.

A plurality of subdirectories 1451 are contained within root directory1450 to allow easy classification in units of recorded file contents. InFIG. 2, data files that pertain to computer data recorded on computerdata areas 1008 and 1010 shown in FIG. 1C are recorded undersubdirectory 1457 for computer data storage, and audio & video datarecorded on audio & video data area 1009 are recorded under rewritablevideo title set RW_VTS 1452. On the other hand, upon copying videoinformation recorded on a DVD Video disc to the disc shown in FIG. 1A,data are copied under video title set VIDEO_TS 1455 and audio title setAUDIO_TS 1456.

Control information 1011 in FIG. 1D is recorded as a single file forrewritable video management data. In FIG. 2, this information has filename RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO. Furthermore, identical information is alsorecorded as backup information with file name RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP.

In FIG. 2, all video information data that belong to video objects 1012shown in FIG. 1D are recorded as a video objects file with file nameRW_VIDEO.VOB. That is, all video information data that belong to videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D are continuously linked in a single VTS(video title set 1402), as shown in FIG. 3B, and are continuouslyrecorded in a single file named “video objects file”. (In other words,all data are recorded together in a single file without dividing a filein units of PTTs (part_of_title) 1407 and 1408.)

All still picture information data that belong to picture objects 1013are recorded together in a picture objects file with file nameRW_PICTURE.POB. Picture objects 1013 contain a plurality of pieces ofstill picture information. A digital camera adopts a format in whicheach still picture is recorded as an independent file, but theembodiment of the present invention is characterized in that all stillpictures contained in picture objects 1013 are continuously linked in aformat similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J, and are recordedtogether in a single picture objects file with file name RW_PICTURE.POB.

Likewise, all pieces of audio information that belong to audio objects1014 are recorded in a single audio objects file with file nameRW_AUDIO.AOB, and all pieces of thumbnail information that belong tothumbnail objects 1016 are recorded in a single thumbnail objects filewith file name RW_THUMBNAIL.TOB.

Note that the video objects file, picture objects file, audio objectsfile, and thumbnail objects file are handled as AV file 1401.

Rewritable additional information 1454 (not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F)that can be used upon recording/playing back video information can besimultaneously recorded. That information is recorded as a single file,which has file name RW_ADD.DAT in the embodiment in FIG. 2.

An embodiment of the present invention that pertains to the allocationof link information will be explained below while comparing with thefile structure shown in FIG. 2.

An embodiment in which link information 2003 is allocated in commoninformation 2001 shown in FIG. 22A will be explained first. In case ofthis embodiment, link information 2003 is recorded together in twofiles, i.e., control information 1011 in FIG. 2=RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO(rewritable video management data) and backup data of controlinformation 1011=RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP (rewritable video management databackup). As detailed recording locations in these two files, all piecesof link information are recorded together at the recording location oflink information 2003 (FIG. 19B) in edit control information 1023 shownin FIG. 1E. In link information 2003, a plurality of pieces of linkinformation 2163 to 2167 are continuously allocated, as shown in FIG.20D.

An embodiment in which link information is allocated in specificinformation 2002 shown in FIG. 22B means a state wherein linkinformation is recorded together with specific information 2002 incommon file 2181=RW_ADD.DAT (a kind of rewritable additional information1454) that records specific information, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 24.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 22C in which all pieces of linkinformation are allocated together at a unique location, unique linkinformation like 2171=RW_LINK.DAT is set under subdirectory 1451 ofrewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452, as shown in FIG. 23, and therespective pieces of link information 2163 to 2167 are allocated atneighboring locations, as shown in FIG. 19D. This unique linkinformation like 2171=RW_LINK.DAT is located as a kind of rewritableadditional information 1454=RW_ADD.DAT (rewritable video additionalinformation).

An embodiment in which groups of link information to be used in units ofdrive manufacturers are allocated together shown in FIG. 22C means afile structure shown in FIG. 23. That is, subdirectories (dedicatedsubdirectory 2185 for company A, and dedicated subdirectory 2186 forcompany B) in units of drive manufacturers are created under rootdirectory 1450, and link information files in units of drivemanufacturers such as dedicated link information 2191 for companyA=LINKINFO_A.IFO and the like are set. In the link information file, therespective pieces of link information 2163 to 2167 are allocated andrecorded at neighboring locations, as shown in FIG. 19D.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a method of allocating specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.Basically, specific information is recorded in subdirectory 1451 ofrewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452 where common information 2001complying with standards is recorded. As shown in FIG. 23, directoriesfor recording specific information 2002 are separated in units of drivemanufacturers like directory 2173 for specific information of companyA=RW_ADD_A and directory 2174 for specific information of companyB=RW_ADD_B. Since the directories are separated, as shown in FIG. 23,specific information 2176 and information 2177 of company A can beprevented from being destroyed upon changing, e.g., specific informationof company B. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, of specific information 2002that can be used by only a specific manufacturer, management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer isrecorded in a file of specific management/control information2176=RW_A_CONTROL.IFO dedicated to company A in FIG. 23, and thecontents of specific object information (specific contents information)2008 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer are recorded in afile of specific object information 2177=RW_A_OBJECT.VOB dedicated tocompany A in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a method of allocating specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer in thepresent invention. This embodiment is characterized in that all piecesof specific information 2002 are recorded together in a single fileindependently of drive manufacturers of information recording/playbackapparatuses that create specific information 2002. Common file 2181 thatrecords specific information has file name RW_ADD.DAT, and is allocatedunder rewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452 as common subdirectory 1451where another common information 2001 complying with standards isrecorded. Common file 2181 that records specific information is a kindof rewritable additional information 1454=RW_ADD.DAT (rewritable videoadditional information) shown in FIG. 2.

Furthermore, FIG. 25 shows still another embodiment of a method ofallocating specific information 2002 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25, specificinformation 2002 is allocated outside subdirectory 1451 of rewritablevideo title set RW_VTS 1452 unlike FIGS. 23 and 24. Subdirectories(dedicated subdirectory 2185 for company A, and dedicated subdirectory2186 for company B) are created under root directory 1450 in units ofdrive manufacturers of information recording/playback apparatuses forrecording specific information, and specific information 2002 isrecorded under each subdirectory. Of specific information 2002 that canbe used by only a specific manufacturer shown in FIG. 12,management/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer is recorded in a file of specific management/controlinformation 2192=CONTROLIFO_A.IFO dedicated to company A in FIG. 25, andthe contents of specific object information (specific contentsinformation) 2008 are recorded in a file of specific object information2193=A_OBJECT.VOB dedicated to company A in FIG. 25.

The procedure of a method of playing back and displaying linkinformation in the information recording/playback apparatus forrecording video information shown in FIG. 10 will be explained below. Anembodiment will be explained while taking as an example a case whereinthe information recording/playback apparatus for recording videoinformation is a product of drive manufacturer A. FIGS. 26A and 26B showthe playback/display procedure in this case.

The entire flow charts shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B will be explainedfirst.

(ST201) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/Reproducing Unit 101

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

(ST202) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing Back VideoInformation in Memory

System controller (MPU) 1530 controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to read control information 1011 and link information file 2171(FIG. 23) from information recording medium (optical disc) 201, andtemporarily stores them in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST203) Extract Process of Link Information Created by Company A

System controller (MPU) 1530 searches all pieces of link information inlink information file 2171 temporarily stored in its internalsemiconductor RAM and extracts link information whose drive manufacturerID information 2035 (FIG. 13A) corresponds to company A.

(ST204) Process for Confirming Presence/Absence of Editing of CommonInformation Done After Setting Times of all Pieces of Link InformationCorresponding to Company A

System controller (MPU) 1530 checks last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information corresponding tocompany A in link information file 2171 temporarily stored in itsinternal semiconductor RAM, and compares it with date/time information2144 (FIG. 19C) of the latest edit process (including addition of newdata) to common information, so as to check if the common informationhas been edited after the setting times of all the pieces of linkinformation corresponding to company A.

(ST205) Determination

It is determined whether or not the common information has been editedafter the creation/change times of all the pieces of link informationcorresponding to company A.

(ST206) Confirmation Process of Last Edit Time of Corresponding Locationin Common Information Designated by Link Information of Company A

System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information corresponding tocompany A and corresponding locations (link source designation locationand designation range 2026 in FIGS. 13B and 13C) in common informationdesignated by each link information from link information file 2171temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts a plurality of pieces of lastcreation/change date/time information 2151 to 2159 (FIGS. 20A to 20C) oflink source designation locations in common information from controlinformation 1011 temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST207) Determination

It is determined whether or not the link source designation locations inthe common information have been edited after the creation/change timesof all the pieces of link information corresponding to company A.

(ST208) Specific Information Correction Process Corresponding to LinkInformation Set Before Last Edit Time of Link Source

System controller (MPU) 1530 automatically detects changes in linksource designation location using correction contents automaticinspection information 2042 (FIG. 13B) from the link information setbefore the last edit time of the link source, and changes the contentsof the corresponding specific information (specific management/controlinformation 2176 and specific object information 2177 dedicated tocompany A in FIG. 23) in correspondence with the detected changes.

System controller 1530 updates last recording time information 2071(FIG. 13C) of the link information to indicate the correction time.

(ST209) Extraction Process of Link Information that Another Company canUse and is Specified by Category ID

System controller (MPU) 1530 checks category ID information 2040 (FIG.13A) of link information corresponding to companies other than company Ain link information file 2171 temporarily stored in its internalsemiconductor RAM.

System controller (MPU) 1530 compares usable category IDs stored inadvance in its internal semiconductor ROM (information that company Acan use in a category ID list of other companies is recorded in advanceas in FIGS. 18A and 18B) and category IDs of other companies recorded oninformation recording medium (optical disc) 201 to extract linkinformation which is usable by another company.

(ST210) Determination

It is determined whether or not the common information has been editedafter the creation/change time of link information that another companycan use and is checked in step ST209.

(ST211) Confirmation Process of Last Edit Time of Corresponding Locationin Common Information Designated by Link Information of Another Company

System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information usable by anothercompany and corresponding locations (link source designation locationand designation range 2026 in FIGS. 13B and 13C) in common informationdesignated by each link information from link information file 2171temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts a plurality of pieces of lastcreation/change date/time information 2151 to 2159 (FIGS. 20A to 20C) oflink source designation locations in common information from controlinformation 1011 temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM,and checks their time relationship.

For link information of another company which set the correspondinglocation in the common information designated as a link source lastbefore the last edit time, specific information 2176 and information2177 are not corrected unlike step ST208, and are inhibited from beingused.

(ST212) Inquiry of User as to Whether or not Link Information is Used

System controller (MPU) 1530 displays, on display/input panel 1548 ofRTR recorder, an inquiry of user as to whether the original functions ofthe information recording/playback apparatus (video recorder) forrecording video information are used by utilizing individual usable linkinformation selected by the aforementioned processes or playback/displayis made using only common information 2001 complying with standards.

If the user denies use of link information, information is played backfrom information recording medium (optical disc) 201 using only commoninformation 2001 complying with standards without using any linkinformation, and the playback result is displayed on display/input panel1548 of RTR recorder.

(ST213) Playback/Display Process Using Link Information and SpecificInformation

Link source corresponding locations in common information 2001designated in link information, which is designated by the user inresponse to the inquiry in step ST212, are extracted by searching thecontents of link information file 2171 temporarily stored in thesemiconductor RAM in system controller (MPU) 1530.

Locations in PGC control information 1103 (FIG. 20A) of the link sourcedesignation locations are recorded at other locations in thesemiconductor RAM on the basis of control information 1011 temporarilystored in the semiconductor RAM in system controller (MPU) 1530.

Common information 2001 is played back and displayed in accordance witha PGC (FIG. 20A) to be played back designated by the user, and when theplayback location has reached the aforementioned link source designationlocation, specific information 2002 is called via link information 2003to play back and display information on display/input panel 1548 of RTRrecorder on the basis of the original functions.

The flow charts shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B will be described in moredetail below. The present invention is characterized by the process(ST204) of checking the relationship between “last recording timeinformation 2061 of link information” recorded in link information shownin FIG. 13C, and “date/time information 2144 of the latest edit process(content change/addition/deletion) of common information 2001” shown inFIG. 19C. With this process, whether or not the contents of commoninformation 2001 have been changed (edited) by an informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information of anothercompany after the corresponding link information had been set last. Ifthe contents of common information 2001 have been changed (edited), itis checked if the location which is designated as a link source by thecorresponding link information has been changed (edited) (after the linkinformation was set last) (ST207 and ST210). If the edit resultadversely influenced link information, drive manufacturer ID information2035 in the link information is checked, and

(1) if the link information is the one created by the self company(company A in the above embodiment), changes in location designated as alink source by the link information as a result of the edit process areautomatically detected using correction content automatic inspectioninformation 2042 (FIG. 13B) in the link information, and specificinformation 2002 (FIG. 12) is automatically changed in accordance withthe detection result (ST208 in FIG. 26A); or

(2) if the link information is other than the one created by the selfcompany (company A), the corresponding specific information is inhibitedfrom being used (ST211 in FIG. 26B).

In the procedure shown in FIG. 26A, even when drive manufacturer ID 2035indicates not only the self company (company A in the above embodiment)but also another company, category ID 2040 as function informationcommon to a plurality of companies in association with specificinformation is read, and link information the self company (company A)can use is allowed to be used (ST209 in FIG. 26A).

An example of step ST213 in FIG. 26B will be explained below.

When the original function is a “search process using queryinformation”, query information is recorded in advance inmanagement/control information 2006 (FIG. 12) that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer, and the user selects information using thecontents displayed on display/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder (FIG.10). Video object information #2 2168 (FIG. 20C) in common information2001 is then selected using link information 2003 on the basis ofinformation extracted from management/control information 2006 that canbe used by only a specific manufacturer in accordance with the user'schoice, and is played back and displayed.

On the other hand, when the original function is to execute “variablespeed playback” of only a CM location in the recorded information, ifcell playback information #c 2164 in FIG. 20B corresponds to a CMportion in the recorded information, expanded cell playback information2114 (FIG. 16) which records fast playback (FF) information andcorresponds to partial exchange process 2121 is recorded in fileRW_A_CONTROL.IFO (FIG. 23) for specific management/control information2176 dedicated to company A as management/control information 2006 (FIG.12) that can be used by only a specific manufacturer via linkinformation #ε 2167 in correspondence with that CM portion. When PGCcontrol information 1103 shown in FIG. 20A is played back and displayed,cell playback information #c 2164 is replaced by expanded cell playbackinformation 2114 to play back the CM portion at speed higher than normalspeed.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the procedure for simultaneouslyrecording common information 2001, link information 2003, and specificinformation 2002.

The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 27 will be explained first.

(ST221) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/Reproducing Unit 101

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

(ST222) Creation Process of Dedicated Directory for Recording SpecificInformation on Information Recording Medium

System controller (MPU) 1530 of an information recording/playbackapparatus (video recorder) for recording/playing back informationreceives a command for simultaneously recording common information, linkinformation, and specific information from the user.

System controller (MPU) 1530 creates specific information directoryRW_ADD_A 2173 (FIG. 23) for company A on the information recordingmedium (optical disc 1001 and optical disc 201) (if that directory isalready present, this process is skipped).

(ST223) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing Back VideoInformation in Memory

System controller (MPU) 1530 controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to read control information 1011, link information file 2171(FIG. 23), and a file of specific management/control information 2176dedicated to company A from information recording medium (optical disc)201, and temporarily stores them in its internal semiconductor RAM.

If either link information file 2171 or the file of specificmanagement/control information 2176 dedicated to company A has not beencreated yet, the non-created file is not read.

(ST224) Temporary Storage Process of Specific Information

Upon receiving specific object information (specific contentsinformation) 2008 from AV input 1542 in FIG. 10, specific objectinformation 2008 is transferred to memory 1534 without converting thespecific object information via ADC 1552→V encoder 1555→formatter1556→data processor 1536→information recording/reproducing unit101→memory 1534 in accordance with an instruction from system controller(MPU) 1530.

Although the transfer route includes V encoder 1555 and formatter 1556,they transfer the input information intact without any data conversionin this case.

(ST225) Object Information Recording Location Setting Process

The recording locations (allocations viewed from management/controlinformation) of object information 2007 complying with standards andspecific object information 2008 are set on the basis of controlinformation 1011 (and link information file 2171) read in step ST223.

(ST226) Parallel Creation Process of Object Information 2007 Complyingwith Standards

Parallel to step ST222, V encoder 1553 and A encoder 1554 convertinformation input from AV input 1542 into the recording format (MPEG2 orthe like) complying with standards, and formatter 1556 re-formats theconverted information into the data structure shown in FIG. 3F andtemporarily stores that information in memory 1534 as object information2007 complying with standards.

(ST227) Recording Process of Object Information Complying with Standardsand Specific Object Information on Information Recording Medium

System controller (MPU) 1530 sends a command to informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to create file RW_A_OBJECT.VOB forrecording specific object information 2177 dedicated to company A on theinformation recording medium (optical disc 1001 and optical disc 201)(if such file already exists, this process is skipped).

Information recording/reproducing unit 101 alternately reads out objectinformation 2007 complying with standards and specific objectinformation 2008 from memory 1534 under the control of system controller(MPU) 1530 and records them on the information recording medium (opticaldisc 1001 and optical disc 201).

Object information 2007 complying with standards is additionallyrecorded in a video object file, picture object file, or audio objectfile handled as AV file 1401 in FIG. 23.

Specific object information (specific contents information) 2008 thatcan be used by only a specific manufacturer is additionally recorded inspecific object information file RW_A_OBJECT.VOB 2177 dedicated tocompany A in FIG. 23.

(ST228) Additional Recording Process of Management/Control Information2005 Complying with Standards

Upon completion of the recording process on the information recordingmedium in step ST227, system controller (MPU) 1530 collects the addedcontents according to the recording result in step ST227 with respect tomanagement/control information 2005 complying with standards, andcontrols information recording/reproducing unit 101 to additionallyrecord additional information in two files RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO andRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP that record control information 1011 in FIG. 23,thus executing the recording process.

(ST229) Additional Recording Process of Management/Control InformationFile that can be Used by Only Specific Manufacturer

If file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/control information 2176dedicated to company A in FIG. 23 is not present in this process, thisfile is newly created (if that file already exists, the creation processis skipped).

System controller (MPU) 1530 collects contents to be additionallyrecorded in file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/controlinformation 2176 dedicated to company A on the basis of the recordingresult of specific object information (specific contents information)2008 in step ST227, and controls information recording/reproducing unit101 to additionally record those contents in the file.

(ST230) Addition Process of Link Information

If link information file 2171 in FIG. 23 does not exist in this process,a new link information file is created (if that file already exists, thecreation process is skipped).

System controller (MPU) 1530 collects link information contents to beadded on the basis of the contents of management/control information2005 and information 2176 recorded in steps ST228 and ST229, andcontrols information recording/reproducing unit 101 to record additionalinformation in link information file 2171 RW_LINK.DAT.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the link information to be additionallyrecorded includes:

drive manufacturer ID information 2035;

category ID 2040;

correction content automatic inspection information 2042 of specificinformation; and the like.

Date and time information upon setting additional link information instep ST230 is recorded or updated in last recording/change time (date)information 2061 of this link information shown in FIG. 13C.

The flow chart shown in FIG. 27 will be described in more detail below.An embodiment will be exemplified wherein digital video informationrecorded on a DV (digital video tape) or a still picture in the JPEGformat, which is sensed by digital camera 1543 (FIG. 10), is recorded oninformation recording medium (optical disc) 201. In steps ST224 andST227 in FIG. 27, the digital video information in the DV format orstill picture information in the JPEG format is recorded in fileRW_A_OBJECT.VOB for recording specific object information 2177 dedicatedto company A in FIG. 23, and management/control information thatpertains to the recorded information is recorded in recording fileRW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/control information 2176dedicated to company A (ST229).

Parallel to this recording process, as shown in steps ST226 and ST227 inFIG. 27, the digital video information in the DV format or still pictureinformation in the JPEG format is converted into digital videoinformation in the MPEG2 format or still picture information of theMPEG2 I-picture format as the recording format that complies with theDVD standards by V encoder 1553, SP encoder 1555, A encoder 1554, andformatter 1556 in FIG. 10, and is recorded as object information 2007(FIG. 12) complying with standards in a video objects file, pictureobjects file, or audio objects file handled as AV file 1401 in FIG. 23.At the same time, management/control information 2005 that pertains tothe recorded information is recorded in two files RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFOand RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP associated with control information 1011(ST228).

Upon playback/display, the user selects information to be played back,and one of object information 2007 complying with standards and specificobject information (specific contents information) 2008 that can be usedby a specific manufacturer is played back and displayed on display/inputpanel 1548 of RTR recorder in accordance with user's choice.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the method of appending link information2003 and specific information 2002 to common information 2001 alreadyrecorded on the information recording medium.

The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 28 will be explained first.

(ST233) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/Reproducing Unit 101

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

(ST234) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing Back VideoInformation in Memory

System controller (MPU) 1530 controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to read control information 1011 and link information file 2171(FIG. 23) from information recording medium (optical disc) 201, andtemporarily stores them in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST235) Receive Original Function Contents and Original Function SettingRange Designation Information by User

The user selects the original function of the informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information (videorecorder) via the user interface using display/input panel 1548 of RTRrecorder, and designates the range for designating that originalfunction.

System controller (MPU) 1530 interprets the original function contentsdesignated by the user using control information 1011 asmanagement/control information 2005 complying with standards, which istemporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST236) Information Addition Process to Management/Control Information2006 that can be Used by Specific Manufacturer

System controller (MPU) 1530 creates addition information tomanagement/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer on the basis of the original function contents and rangedesignated by the user, and controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to additionally record that information in specificmanagement/control information file 2176 RW_A_CONTROL.IFO dedicated tocompany A shown in FIG. 23.

(ST237) Addition Process of Link Information

If link information file 2171 shown in FIG. 23 does not exist in thisprocess, a new link information file is created (if such file alreadyexists, the creation process is skipped).

System controller (MPU) 1530 collects link information contents to beadded on the basis of the contents of control information 1011temporarily stored in memory 1534 in step ST234 and management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer, whichis additionally recorded in step ST236, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to record the additional information inlink information file 2171 RW_LINK.DAT.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the link information to be additionallyrecorded includes:

drive manufacturer ID information 2035;

category ID 2040;

correction content automatic inspection information 2042 of specificinformation; and the like.

Date and time information upon setting additional link information instep ST237 is recorded or updated in last recording/change time (date)information 2061 of this link information shown in FIG. 13C.

The flow chart shown in FIG. 28 will be described in more detail below.An embodiment of parental lock or security setup by setting a passwordin, e.g., cell playback information #c 2164 in FIG. 19B will beexplained below. A parental lock or security setup instruction at thatlocation is received from the user (ST235 in FIG. 28).

Expanded cell playback information 2114 (FIG. 16) which is additionallyrecorded with password information and corresponds to partial exchangeprocess 2121 is recorded in file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO (FIG. 23) for specificmanagement/control information 2176 dedicated to company A asmanagement/control information 2006 (FIG. 12) that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer via link information #ε 2167 in correspondencewith that location (ST236). Upon playing back and displaying PGC controlinformation 1103 shown in FIG. 20A, cell playback information #c 2164 isreplaced by expanded cell playback information 2114. When the displaytiming of this portion has been reached, a password inquiry message forthe user is displayed on display/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder. Onlywhen the user inputs a correct password without any errors, this portioncan be played back and displayed.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart that pertains to processes upon editing commoninformation 2001.

The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 29 will be explained first.

(ST241) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/Reproducing Unit 101

Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

(ST242) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing Back VideoInformation in Memory

System controller (MPU) 1530 controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to read control information 1011 and link information file 2171(FIG. 23) from information recording medium (optical disc) 201, andtemporarily stores them in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST243) Extraction Process of Link Information Created by Company A

System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts link information which includesdrive manufacturer ID information 2035 (FIG. 13A) corresponding tocompany A by searching all pieces of link information in linkinformation file 2171 temporarily stored in its internal semiconductorRAM.

(ST244) Receive Information of Edit Contents in Common Information fromUser

The user designates information that pertains to edit contents in commoninformation 2001 complying with standards by the informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information via theuser interface using display/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder. Systemcontroller 1530 receives that information.

System controller (MPU) 1530 determines a practical method for the editcontents designated by the user using control information 1011 asmanagement/control information 2005 complying with standards, which istemporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

(ST245) Execute Edit Process in Common Information

System controller (MPU) 1530 edits common information 2001 complyingwith standards on the basis of the processing method determined in stepST244, and controls information recording/reproducing unit 101 as neededto record information on information recording medium (optical disc)201.

(ST246) Update Process of Last Creation/Change Date/Time Information inManagement/Control Information Complying with Standards

System controller (MPU) 1530 changes the contents of management/controlinformation 2005 complying with standards on the basis of the editprocess done in step ST245, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to rewrite the contents of filesRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO and RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP associated with controlinformation 1011 shown in FIG. 23.

System controller (MPU) 1530 simultaneously executes update processes oflast creation/change date/time information (information that pertains tothe changed portion upon editing of 2151 to 2159 in FIGS. 20A to 20C)and date/time information 2144 of the latest edit process shown in FIG.19C, which pertain to the aforementioned edit process.

(ST247) Change Process of Link Information Contents of Company A thatPertains to edit Process

System controller (MPU) 1530 finds link information which is influencedby the edit process of common information 2001 done in step ST245 bysearch from those including drive manufacturer ID information 2035 (FIG.13A) corresponding to company A, which are extracted in step ST243,changes the corresponding portion of specific information 2002designated as a link destination of that link information incorrespondence with the edit process, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to change and record that change resultin the contents of files 2176 and 2177 in directory 2173 for specificinformation of company A.

System controller (MPU) 1530 updates and records last recording/changetime information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information correspondingto company A irrespective of the presence/absence of influences of theedit process.

The flow chart shown in FIG. 29 will be described in more detail below.As described previously, assuming a case wherein information recordingmedium (optical disc) 201 is used by an information recording/playbackapparatus of another company after common information 2001 has beenedited, a recording process for making link information usable in such acase is required. That is, the update process of “last creation/changedate/time information 2151 to information 2159” (FIGS. 20A to 20C) ofportions that have been changed by the edit process, and “date/timeinformation 2144 of the latest edit process” as a whole is executed(ST246). At the same time, “last recording time information 2061”, inlink information is updated, and the contents of the correspondingspecific information are changed (ST247).

Applications of the present invention will be explained below.

The present invention can be applied to a program (software) recordingscheme in an information processing apparatus, which records program(software) information described in various program languages such as“C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and the like on an information recordingmedium, reproduces the program (software) information from thatinformation recording medium, and makes an implementation processaccording to the reproduced program (software) contents. That is, aninformation recording scheme (description rule of a program language)for recording information on the information recording medium can beapplied to that which is commonly standardized and recognized among aplurality of manufacturers which manufacture arithmetic processingapparatuses for reproducing a program (software) from the informationrecording medium, and making an implementation process according to thereproduced program (software) contents.

In the arithmetic operation field (computer field), an arithmeticoperation program is described according to rules (standards) of variousprogram languages such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and the like. If acommand that violates such rules of the program language is described ina program, it is rejected as an error.

For example, processing functions that can be controlled by programswhich pertain to a “communication protocol”, “graphical user interface”,“image processing function”, and the like are considerably limited bythe program languages used. That is, differentiated and originalfunctions cannot be provided. By contrast, requirements for implementingfunction processing beyond the limitations on a specific programlanguage are increasing. In each program language, a program is upgradedevery time a new function is added. However, since such upgradingrequires much time, it is hard to add new functions in quick response toadvances of the technologies.

When the present invention is applied to the program recording scheme, aprogram control method which can implement function processing beyondlimitations of conventional program languages such as “C”, “Visual C”,“JAVA”, and the like on such languages can be provided.

When the present invention is applied to the program recording scheme, aprogram language which has command expandability even on theconventional program languages such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and thelike can be provided. As a consequence, an individual informationprocessing apparatus (computer) can append function processing beyondthe limitations on the conventional program languages.

Important points of the present invention will be summarized below.

Information created according to a recording format (recording scheme)complying with standards for recording video information, audioinformation, still picture information, and the like on an informationrecording medium is recorded on the information recording medium as“common information 2001 (FIG. 12)”. This common information 2001includes program (software) information created according toconventional program language rules (command rules) such as “C”, “VisualC”, “JAVA”, or the like.

Furthermore, information created in a recording format (recordingscheme) which is used for implementing a function unique to themanufacturer of an information recording/playback apparatus orinformation recording medium and does not comply with standards isrecorded at a location different from the recording location of commoninformation 2001 on the information recording medium as “specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer” shownin FIG. 12. This specific information 2002 that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer includes expanded program (software) informationcreated using new command information, which does not comply withconventional program language rules (command rules) such as “C”, “VisualC”, “JAVA”, or the like.

Also, to allow use of specific information 2002, “link information 2003”that indicates the relationship between common information 2001complying with standards and specific information 2002 that can be usedby only a specific manufacturer is recorded on the information recordingmedium.

Link information 2003 describes:

manufacturer information or model information of informationrecording/playback apparatuses that can be used for each specificinformation 2002; and

“information that pertains to the link pattern of specific information”indicating the relationship between each specific information 2002 andcommon information 2001.

In the description of the embodiment, an information recording/playbackapparatus and recording scheme for recording video information, audioinformation, still picture information, and the like on an informationrecording medium, and playing back information from the informationrecording medium have been described. However, the present invention isnot limited to such specific apparatus and scheme, and the aboveembodiment can be similarly applied to a program language having commandexpandability even on conventional program languages such as “C”,“Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like.

In this case,

an information processing apparatus (computer) corresponds to theinformation recording/playback apparatus;

a program (software) created according to conventional program languagerules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like corresponds to commoninformation 2001 complying with standards;

an HDD (hard disc drive) or an optical disc such as an MO, DVD-RAM, orthe like, which records the program (software), corresponds to theinformation recording medium;

program (software) data created according to original commandinformation, which is created by the information processing apparatus(computer) and does not comply with conventional program language rulessuch as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like corresponds to specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer; and

a call command link command (anchor information) called between the twoprograms (software) corresponds to link information 2003.

Furthermore, in this case, in the information content list of one linkinformation shown in FIG. 13A, the information contents of drivemanufacturer ID information (drive manufacturer name or the like) 2035that can use specific information associated with this link informationare changed to “manufacturer ID information 2035 of an informationprocessing apparatus (computer) that can use specific informationassociated with this link information”; and

model information 2073 that can use specific information is changed to“model information 2073 of an information processing apparatus(computer) that can use specific information.

The outline of information recording by the information recordingapparatus (information recording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10)according to the present invention will be summarized below with the aidof FIG. 30.

As shown in FIG. 30, the information recording scheme of the presentinvention has a plurality of processes. The first process (ST1) recordscommon information (2001) which can be commonly played back by aplurality of types of information playback apparatuses provided bydifferent manufacturers or distributors, and complies with commonstandards. The second process (ST2) records specific information (2002)which can be played back by only an information playback apparatus of aspecific type, which is provided by a specific manufacturer ordistributor. The third process (ST3) records link information (2003)indicating links between the common information and specificinformation.

The link information (2003) recorded in the third process containsnumber information (2044) indicating the number of link designationlocations in the common information. Also, the link information (2003)recorded in the third process contains at least one ID information(character code) of ID information (character code corresponding to IDinformation) indicating the manufacturer of the information playbackapparatus of the specific type, and ID information (character codecorresponding to ID information) indicating the distributor of theinformation playback apparatus of the specific type. Furthermore, thelink information (2003) recorded in the third process includes updatehistory information.

The fourth process (ST4, ST5) records information indicating that linkinformation has been updated in the update history information when thelink information has been updated.

Each information mentioned above is recorded on the informationrecording medium by information recording/reproducing unit 101 servingas recording means. As a result, the common information, specificinformation, and link information are recorded on the informationrecording medium, as shown in FIG. 12.

The outline of information playback by the information recordingapparatus (information recording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10)according to the present invention will be summarized below with the aidof FIG. 31.

Note that the information recording medium to be played back comprisesfirst, second, and third areas, as shown in FIG. 12. The first arearecords common information (2001) which can be commonly played back by aplurality of types of information playback apparatuses provided bydifferent manufacturers or distributors, and complies with commonstandards. The second area records specific information (2002) which canbe played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specifictype, which is provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor. Thethird area records link information (2003), which indicates linksbetween the common information and specific information, and contains atleast one of ID information indicating the manufacturer of theinformation playback apparatus of the specific type, and ID informationindicating the distributor of the information playback apparatus of thespecific type.

The information playback apparatus of the specific type (informationrecording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10), which plays back theinformation recording medium to be played back comprises memory 1534serving as ID information storage means (character code memory means).Memory 1534 stores at least one ID information (character code) of IDinformation (character code corresponding to ID information) indicatingthe manufacturer of the information playback apparatus of the specifictype, and ID information (character code corresponding to IDinformation) indicating the distributor of the information playbackapparatus of the specific type.

As shown in FIG. 31, an information playback method of the presentinvention comprises a plurality of processes.

The first process (ST11) plays back a disc (plays back commoninformation and link information). The second process (ST12) compares IDinformation (character code corresponding to ID information) stored inmemory 1534 with ID information (character code corresponding to IDinformation) contained in the link information played back from theinformation recording medium. If it is confirmed in the third process(ST13) that these two pieces of ID information match each other,specific information is played back in the fourth process (ST14). Or ifit is confirmed in the third process (ST13) that these two charactercodes match each other, ID information stored in memory 1534 is comparedwith that contained in the link information played back from theinformation recording medium. If it is confirmed that these two piecesof ID information match each other, specific information is played backin the fourth process (ST14).

Each information mentioned above is played back from the informationrecording medium by information recording/reproducing unit 101 servingas playback means.

The correspondence between the data structure built on the informationrecording medium and data shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F and FIGS. 13A to 13Cwill be explained below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 35.

As shown in FIG. 32, a DVD_RTR directory is contained in a rootdirectory. The DVD_RTR directory contains RTR.IFO, RTR_MOV.VRO,RTR_STO.VRO, and RTR_STA.VRO. Furthermore, the RTR.IFO contains an RTRvideo manager (RTR_VMG). This RTR video manager (RTR_VMG) corresponds tocontrol information 1011 shown in FIG. 1D. The RTR_MOV.VRO correspondsto video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D, the RTR_STO.VRO to pictureobjects 1013 shown in FIG. 1D, and RTR_STA.VRO to audio objects 1014shown in FIG. 1D.

As shown in FIG. 33, the RTR video manager (RTR_VMG) contains RTR videomanager information (RTR_VMGI), movie AV file information table(M_AVFIT), still picture AV file information table (S_AVFIT), originalPGC information (ORG_PGCI), user defined PGC information table(UD_PGCIT), test data manager (TXTDT_MG), and manufacturer's informationtable (MNFIT). Also, the RTR video manager information (RTR_VMGI)corresponds to video title set information 1106 shown in FIG. 1F. Themovie AV file information table (M_AVFIT) and still picture AV fileinformation table (S_AVFIT) correspond to video object information 1107shown in FIG. 1F. The original PGC information (ORG_PGCI) and userdefined PGC information table (UD_PGCIT) correspond to PGC controlinformation 1103 and cell playback information 1108 shown in FIG. 1F.The manufacturer's information table (MNFIT) corresponds to linkinformation 2003 shown in FIG. 12. This link information 2003 shown inFIG. 12 is contained in edit control information 1023 shown in FIG. 1E.

As shown in FIG. 34, the manufacturer's information table (MNFIT)contains the number of pieces of manufacturer's information,manufacturer's information #1 (MNFI#1), . . . , manufacturer'sinformation #n (MNFI#n). The number of pieces of manufacturer'sinformation corresponds to number 2044 of link designation locations incommon information complying with standards shown in FIG. 13B.

Manufacturer's information #1 (MNFI#1) has a configuration shown in FIG.35. MNF_ID corresponds to drive manufacturer ID information 2035 shownin FIG. 13A. REC_TM corresponds to last recording/change time (date)information 2061 of link information shown in FIG. 13C.

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above,the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The present invention for the first time assures the recordinglocation of information (original information other than commoninformation 2001 complying with standards) originally created by themanufacturer of an information recording/playback apparatus which canrecord/play back information on/from an information recording medium(recording area of specific information 2002) on the informationrecording medium. As a result, the manufacturer of the informationrecording/playback apparatus can record original information on theinformation recording medium without any restraints of the standards.

(1-1) The present invention for the first time assures the recordinglocation (recording area of specific information 2002) of program(software) data created according to original command information, whichdoes not comply with conventional program language rules such as “C”,Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like by an information processing apparatus(computer) on an information recording medium that records program(software) data. As a result, in order to provide an original functionby the information processing apparatus (computer), program (software)information according to command information, which does not comply withconventional program language rules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, orthe like and is originally created by the information processingapparatus (computer) can be appended.

(2) Since original information other than common information 2001complying with standards can be recorded in the area of specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer,information corresponding to an original function set by themanufacturer of the information recording/playback apparatus can berecorded in the recording area of specific information 2002 withoutbeing limited by the functions set according to the conventionalstandards. Consequently, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information recording/playback apparatus, and this leadsto originality and differentiation among individual informationrecording/playback apparatuses. In this manner, development ofinformation recording/playback apparatuses in terms of functions basedon the principle of competition is expected.

(2-1) Since program (software) information according to commandinformation which does not comply with conventional program languagerules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like and is originallycreated by an information processing apparatus (computer) can berecorded in the area of specific information 2002 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information processing apparatus (computer), and thisleads to originality and differentiation among individual informationprocessing apparatuses (computers). Hence, development of informationprocessing apparatuses (computers) in terms of functions based on theprinciple of competition is expected.

(3) Since original information other than common information 2001complying with standards can be recorded in the area of specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer,information corresponding to an original function set by themanufacturer of the information recording/playback apparatus can berecorded in the recording area of specific information 2002 withoutbeing limited by the functions set according to the conventionalstandards. As a consequence, a new function can be added to aninformation recording/playback apparatus in quick response to advancesof the technologies as needed, and the functions of the informationrecording/playback apparatus can be advanced in correspondence with suchtechnological advances.

(3-1) Since program (software) information according to commandinformation which does not comply with conventional program languagerules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like and is originallycreated by an information processing apparatus (computer) can berecorded in the area of specific information 2002 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information processing apparatus (computer). Hence, anew function can be added to an information processing apparatus(computer) in quick response to advances of the technologies as needed,and the functions of the information processing apparatus (computer) canbe advanced in correspondence with such technological advances.

(4) Since link information 2003 is provided, the relationship betweencommon information 2001 complying with standards and specificinformation upon use can be clarified. As a consequence, an informationplayback apparatus can use specific information 2002 without any errors.

(4-1) Since link information 2003 is provided, the relationship betweencommon information 2001 complying with standards and specificinformation upon use can be clarified. As a consequence, an informationprocessing apparatus (computer) can use specific information 2002without any errors.

(5) Since link information 2003 is provided and contains manufacturerinformation or model information of an information recording/playbackapparatus that can be used for each specific information 2002, theinformation recording/playback apparatus can automatically determineusable specific information 2002 very easily. As a result, ininformation recording/playback apparatuses manufactured by all themanufacturers, specific information 2002 can be utilized without anyerrors while assuring high reliability.

The present invention can provide the following information recordingmedium, information recording method and apparatus, and informationplayback method and apparatus:

(1) an information recording medium which allows to achievedifferentiation and originality of functions in units of models ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors;

(2) an information recording method which records information on aninformation recording medium to be able to achieve differentiation andoriginality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

(3) an information recording apparatus which records information on aninformation recording medium to be able to achieve differentiation andoriginality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

(4) an information playback method which plays back information from aninformation recording medium on which information is recorded to be ableto achieve differentiation and originality of functions in units ofmodels of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

(5) an information playback apparatus which plays back information froman information recording medium on which information is recorded to beable to achieve differentiation and originality of functions in units ofmodels of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

(6) an information recording medium which has a data structure with highexpandability of functions;

(7) an information recording method which records a data structure withhigh expandability of functions on an information recording medium;

(8) an information recording apparatus which records a data structurewith high expandability of functions on an information recording medium;

(9) an information playback method which plays back information from aninformation recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded; and

(10) an information playback apparatus which plays back information froman information recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 10-221919 filed Aug. 5, 1998, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/365,708, filed Aug. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,746 and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/817,113, filed Mar. 27, 2001. Thecontents of those applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A recording medium comprising: a first areaconfigured to allowing video information to be recorded therein andreproduced therefrom; a second area configured to allow managerinformation to be recorded therein, the manager information beingreferred to when the video information recorded in the first area isreproduced; wherein: the video information includes an AV file forstoring a movie video object and a still video object; the managerinformation includes RTR video manager information which is generalmanager information containing information related to at least the videoobject in the AV file, a movie AV file information table containingattribute information concerning the movie video object, a still pictureAV file information table containing attribute information concerningthe still video object, original PGC information containing informationindicating a reproduction order of original programs in the AV file,user defined PGC information containing information indicating areproduction order of data units in a user defined program determined bya user in the AV file, and a manufacturer information table; the RTRvideo manager information, the movie AV file information table, thestill picture AV file information table, the original PGC informationand the user defined PGC information are provided as common managerinformation readable by a plurality of manufacturers' reproducingapparatuses; the manufacturer information table includes a plurality ofmanufacturers' information to be read by the plurality of manufacturers'reproducing apparatuses, respectively; and the second area includes athird area for the RTR video manager information, a fourth area for themovie AV file information table, a fifth area for the still picture AVfile information table, a sixth area for the original PGC information, aseventh area for the user defined PGC information, and an eighth areafor the specific manager information readable by only said specific oneof the plurality of manufacturers' reproducing apparatuses, the third,fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth areas being arranged in anumerical order.
 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, whereinthe manufacturer's information contains an ID and specific informationof the specific manufacturer.
 3. An information recording method forrecording information on a recording medium, comprising the steps of:providing a recording medium having a first area configured to allowvideo information to be recorded therein and reproduced therefrom, and asecond area configured to allow manager information to be recordedtherein, the manager information being referred to when the videoinformation recorded in the first area is reproduced, the videoinformation including an AV file for storing at least one of a movievideo object and a still video object, RTR video manager informationwhich is general manager information containing information related toat least the video object in the AV file, a movie AV file informationtable containing attribute information concerning the movie videoobject, a still picture AV file information table containing attributeinformation concerning the still video object, original PGC informationcontaining information indicating a reproduction order of originalprograms in the AV file, user defined PGC information containinginformation indicating a reproduction order of data units in a userdefined program determined by a user in the AV file, and amanufacturer's information, the RTR video manager information, the movieAV file information table, the still picture AV file information table,the original PGC information and the user defined PGC information beingprovided as common manager information readable by a plurality ofmanufacturers' reproducing apparatuses, the manufacturer informationtable including a plurality of manufacturers' information to be read bythe plurality of manufacturers' reproducing apparatuses, respectively;recording at least one of the movie video object and the still videoobject stored in the AV file in the first area; recording the RTR videomanager information in a third area in the second area; recording themovie AV file information table in a fourth area in the second area;recording the still picture AV file information table in a fifth area inthe second area; recording the original PGC information in a sixth areain the second area; recording the user defined PGC information in aseventh area in the second area; and recording manufacturer'sinformation readable by only a specific one of the plurality ofmanufacturers' reproducing apparatuses in an eighth area in the secondarea provided as a last area therein.
 4. The information recordingmethod according to claim 3, wherein the manufacturer's informationcontains an ID and specific information of said specific one of theplurality of manufacturers' reproducing apparatuses.
 5. An informationrecording/reproducing apparatus for recording information on a recordingmedium having a first area configured to allow video information to berecorded therein and reproduced therefrom and a second area configuredto allow manager information to be recorded therein, the managerinformation being referred to when the video information recorded in thefirst area is reproduced, the video information including an AV file forstoring a movie video object and a still video object, RTR video managerinformation which is general manager information containing informationrelated to at least the video object in the AV file, a movie AV fileinformation table containing attribute information concerning the movievideo object, a still picture AV file information table containingattribute information concerning the still video objects, original PGCinformation containing information indicating a reproduction order oforiginal programs in the AV file, user defined PGC informationcontaining information indicating a reproduction order of data units ina user defined program determined by a user in the AV file, and amanufacturer information table is defined, the RTR video managerinformation, the movie AV file information table, the still picture AVfile information table, the original PGC information and the userdefined PGC information being provided as common manager informationreadable by a plurality of manufacturers' reproducing apparatuses, themanufacturer information table including a plurality of manufacturers'information to be read by the plurality of manufacturers, reproducingapparatuses, respectively, the information recording apparatuscomprising: means for recording at least one of the movie video objectand still video object stored in the AV file in the first area; meansfor recording the RTR video manager information in a third area in thesecond area; means for recording the movie AV file information table ina fourth area in the second area; means for recording the still pictureAV file information table in a fifth area in the second area; means forrecording the original PGC information in a sixth area in the secondarea; means for recording the user defined PGC information in a seventharea in the second area; and means for recording manufacturer'sinformation readable by a specific one of the plurality ofmanufacturers' reproducing apparatuses in an eighth area in the secondarea provided as a last area therein.
 6. The informationrecording/reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein themanufacturer's information contains an ID and specific information ofsaid specific one of the plurality of manufacturers' reproducingapparatuses.
 7. The information recording/reproducing apparatusaccording to claim 6, further comprising: comparing means forreproducing the ID of said specific one of the plurality ofmanufacturers' reproducing apparatuses, which is recorded in the eightharea, and comparing the reproduced ID with an ID recorded in an IDrecorded in a memory; and means for reproducing the specific informationrecorded in the eighth area, in response to a signal output from thecomparing means, which indicates that the reproduced ID is coincidentwith the ID recorded in the memory.